This report by The Citizen Lab, in collaboration with First Department, details the discovery of sophisticated spyware installed on the Android phone of a Russian programmer after it was returned to him by Russian authorities. Here's a summary:
* **Spyware Implanted by Authorities:** After being detained and having his phone confiscated, Russian programmer Kirill Parubets received his phone back with malicious spyware installed.
* **FSB Involvement:** Parubets reported being subjected to beatings and intense pressure from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to become an informant.
* **Spyware Capabilities:** The spyware allows operators to track location, record calls and keystrokes, and read messages from encrypted apps.
* **Monokle Spyware Link:** The spyware shares similarities with the Monokle family of spyware, previously linked to the Russian government. However, there are also differences, indicating either an updated version or new software based on Monokle.
* **Technical Analysis:** The analysis details how the malicious app was disguised as a trojanized version of the legitimate Cube Call Recorder app. The spyware uses a two-stage process, with the main malicious functionality hidden in an encrypted second stage.
* **Implications of Device Tampering:** The report emphasizes the serious risks of device confiscation and tampering by security services, particularly in authoritarian states. Even after a device is returned, it cannot be considered trustworthy.
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