Meet the Team That Investigates When Journalists And Activists Get Hacked With Government Spyware
Discover how Access Now’s spyware investigations team protects journalists and activists from state-sponsored hacking and mercenary malware in 2025.
Matilda
Meet the Team That Investigates When Journalists And Activists Get Hacked With Government Spyware
Spyware Investigations: Inside the Digital Frontline Spyware investigations are now the primary defense for journalists and activists facing sophisticated government-led hacking. As cyberattacks from groups like NSO Group and Intellexa rise, organizations like Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline provide 24/7 technical support and incident response. This article explores how these digital first responders detect mercenary malware, protect high-risk targets in countries like Mexico and Greece, and help victims navigate the terrifying reality of state-sponsored surveillance in 2025. Credit: Clint Patterson/Unsplash The Rise of State-Sponsored Spyware Investigations For over a decade, the landscape of global surveillance has shifted from traditional wiretapping to invisible, "zero-click" mobile intrusions. Governments in nations ranging from Hungary and India to Ethiopia and the UAE have increasingly deployed high-end mercenary spyware to silence dissent. These tools don't ju…
