Created by the NSO Group, Pegasus is a highly controversial spyware program that can be remotely installed on mobile devices, and has been used to track high-profile figures such as politicians, government officials, activists and journalists.
The spyware gets full access to the device and all of its data, including phone calls, location history, emails and messages.
While the odds of your iPhone or iPad being infected by Pegasus Spyware are low, if you are concerned then it’s easy and free to check.
Keep reading to learn how to detect Pegasus spyware on your iPhone.
What you’ll need:
The short version:
- Download the iMazing app.
- Open the iMazing app.
- Connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Choose your device on the iMazing app.
- Select Detect Spyware.
- Read through the Disclaimer.
- Select Start Analysis.
- Leave your iPhone connected to your computer.
- See your report.
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Step
1Download the iMazing app
Download the iMazing app by visiting the iMazing website and following the steps found on the homepage.
You don’t need to buy the app or spend any money to do this, as you can run the full spyware test with just Trial Mode.Step
2Open the iMazing app
The first time you open the iMazing app, you’ll see the pop-up shown here. Simply click Use in Trial Mode to avoid entering any payment details.
Step
3Connect your iPhone to your computer
Using a USB cable, connect your iPhone to your computer. Make sure you check the ports on your computer and determine whether they are USB-C or USB-A to ensure you have the correct cable.
You may be prompted to enter the Lock Screen code on your iPhone to “trust” your computer.Step
4Choose your device on the iMazing app
Click on Devices in the left-hand side panel, where your iPhone should be displayed. If your iPhone doesn’t appear then try the connection again, ensuring you enter your Lock Screen code correctly.
Step
5Select Detect Spyware
Make sure you’re on the Overview screen, where you’ll see a Quick Actions panel with a Detect Spyware option towards the end of the list. Click here.
Step
6Read through the Disclaimer
Before starting your scan, be sure to read through this disclaimer. If you’re happy, click Next.
Step
7Select Start Analysis
Follow the steps on-screen, which includes the option to back up your device. While there are configuration options for advanced users, iMazing recommends leaving these settings as default.
Once you’re happy, select Start Analysis.Step
8Leave your iPhone connected to your computer
Ensure you don’t disconnect your iPhone while the scan is running. How long it takes will depend on various factors, however we found the total scan took around 30 minutes to complete.
At the start of your scan, you may be prompted to enter your Lock Screen code on your iPhone again.Step
9See your report
Once the scan is complete you’ll see clearly whether or not an infection has been discovered. If not, as shown here, then you don’t need to do anything else.
If an infection has been found then you must send the report to its customer support team for further analysis. During this time, iMazing recommends replacing your handset and SIM completely and advises you to avoid restoring any previous back-ups as these may be compromised.
Troubleshooting
iMazing is software that lets users manage and transfer data from their Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads to their computers.
iMazing states it believes “users should have full control over their data and their devices” and explains that all of its operations are performed locally on a user’s Mac or PC and promises data is not transmitted elsewhere, nor can it be.
Yes. As long as you ensure your iPhone remains connected then you can continue to use your computer as usual.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
