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U.S. Treasury Lifts Sanctions on Three Individuals Linked to Intellexa and Predator Spyware

The Hacker News

Overview

The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has lifted sanctions on three individuals associated with the Intellexa Consortium, which is known for its commercial spyware called Predator. The individuals include Merom Harpaz, Andrea Nicola Constantino, Hermes Gambazzi, and Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou. This decision raises concerns about the potential implications for privacy and surveillance, as Predator spyware has been linked to various abuses in tracking and monitoring individuals. The removal of sanctions could allow these individuals greater access to resources and networks, which may impact ongoing discussions about the regulation of spyware and its use by governments and private entities. This development is particularly significant given the rising scrutiny of surveillance technologies worldwide.

Key Takeaways

  • Affected Systems: Predator spyware
  • Timeline: Disclosed on October 17, 2023

Original Article Summary

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Tuesday removed three individuals linked to the Intellexa Consortium, the holding company behind a commercial spyware known as Predator, from the specially designated nationals list. The names of the individuals are as follows - Merom Harpaz Andrea Nicola Constantino Hermes Gambazzi Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou

Impact

Predator spyware

Exploitation Status

The exploitation status is currently unknown. Monitor vendor advisories and security bulletins for updates.

Timeline

Disclosed on October 17, 2023

Remediation

Not specified

Additional Information

This threat intelligence is aggregated from trusted cybersecurity sources. For the most up-to-date information, technical details, and official vendor guidance, please refer to the original article linked below.

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