Ethical Hacking News
The recent Pegasus spyware infection on the iPhone of Serbian University Rector Vladan Đokić has raised alarming concerns about the security and integrity of the country's democratic processes. As the threat of cyber espionage continues to evolve, it is essential that we work together to develop the necessary tools and strategies to protect ourselves and our communities from this growing threat.
The University of Belgrade's rector, Vladan Đokić, had his iPhone infected with Pegasus spyware, sparking outrage in Serbia and the international community. The infection, detected by the Citizen Lab, raises concerns about the security and integrity of Serbia's democratic processes. The incident occurred days before a parliamentary election, which was called after protests that led to the arrest and intimidation of protesters. The Pegasus spyware gives the operator complete access to the phone's contents, including private messages and the ability to switch on the microphone and camera without the owner's knowledge. At least 16 people in Serbian civil society have been targeted or infected with mercenary spyware this year, according to the Citizen Lab. The Serbian government has dismissed the allegations as "purely trivial sensationalism," but human rights groups and opposition politicians have criticized their response.
The recent revelation of a Pegasus spyware infection on the iPhone of Vladan Đokić, the rector of the University of Belgrade, has sent shockwaves through the Serbian government and the international community. The infection, which was detected by the Citizen Lab, a renowned research group, has raised serious concerns about the security and integrity of the country's democratic processes.
The incident occurred days before the October 25 snap parliamentary election, which was called after nearly two years of protests that began when a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people. The protesters, who were demanding changes to the country's electoral laws, were met with force by the authorities, leading to a wave of arrests and intimidation.
The Pegasus spyware, which is believed to have been installed on Đokić's phone through a zero-click exploit, gives the operator complete access to the phone's contents, including private and encrypted messages, as well as the ability to switch on the microphone and camera without the owner's knowledge. This is a highly sophisticated form of cyber espionage that can be used to manipulate and control individuals, and in this case, potentially influence the outcome of the election.
The Citizen Lab, which analyzed forensic artifacts from Đokić's phone at his request, has confirmed that the infection was carried out by NSO Group, a company that sells spyware to governments and state agencies. The lab's investigation is ongoing, but it has already shed light on the scope of the problem in Serbia.
According to the Citizen Lab, at least 16 people in Serbian civil society have been targeted or infected with mercenary spyware this year, including student activists, opposition politicians, and local councilors. The cases were first reported by the Serbian digital-rights group SHARE Foundation, which has been working closely with the Citizen Lab to investigate the matter.
One of the most affected individuals was Jelena Kontić, a student whose Pegasus infection was confirmed by the Citizen Lab. Kontić had previously filed a criminal complaint against unidentified individuals in the BIA and the police, as well as people responsible at NSO Group, alleging that they had installed the spyware on her phone.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage in Serbia, with many calling for an independent investigation into the matter. Đokić, who described the spyware as "another attempt of intimidation," has demanded that the government take immediate action to protect its citizens from this form of cyber espionage.
The Serbian government has dismissed the allegations as "purely trivial sensationalism," but this response has been widely criticized by human rights groups and opposition politicians. The incident has also raised concerns about the country's cybersecurity capabilities and its ability to protect its citizens from external threats.
The Pegasus spyware infection is just the latest example of the growing threat of cyber espionage in the world. As the use of advanced technologies such as AI and blockchain becomes more widespread, the potential for malicious actors to exploit vulnerabilities and manipulate individuals grows.
In response to this threat, many organizations and governments are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the development and use of these technologies. They are also urging individuals to take steps to protect themselves from cyber espionage, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping their devices and software up to date.
The incident in Serbia serves as a reminder that the protection of individual rights and freedoms is a collective responsibility that requires the active engagement of governments, civil society, and individuals alike. As the threat of cyber espionage continues to evolve, it is essential that we work together to develop the necessary tools and strategies to protect ourselves and our communities from this growing threat.
Related Information:
https://www.ethicalhackingnews.com/articles/Pegasus-Spyware-Infection-Raises-Alarming-Concerns-in-Serbia-A-Threat-to-Democracy-and-Cybersecurity-ehn.shtml
https://thehackernews.com/2026/10/pegasus-spyware-infection-confirmed-on.html
Published: Tue Oct 20 15:39:53 2026 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
