Google is calling for stricter regulation of the spyware industry, as it says surveillance software companies are making the use hacking tools more widespread.
While the technologies are typically designed for government use, they are often found to be behind hacking incidents against civilians, journalists and politicians.
A new Google report indicates that spyware technologies from dozens of companies is being leveraged for harmful activities. “Demand from government customers remains strong and our findings underscore the extent to which commercial spyware vendors have proliferated hacking and spyware capabilities that weaken the safety of the Internet for all,” Google researchers said. “The private sector is now responsible for a significant portion of the most sophisticated tools we detect.”
The report points to companies, including Cy4Gate, RCS Labs, Intellexa, Negg Group and Variston, whose tools can be used to hack phones and can thwart security measures that protect iOS and Android phones.
