Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has disclosed the discovery of suspected Pegasus spyware on the phones of two journalists in Togo, raising concerns about cyber-espionage targeting media professionals. The journalists, currently on trial for allegedly defaming a government minister, had their phones compromised with spyware resembling the powerful Pegasus surveillance tool.
RSF, which investigated the suspected phone tampering, noted that one journalist experienced a significant cyber-espionage operation in the first half of 2021, with 23 spyware intrusions recorded between February and July. The organization emphasized the potential misuse of such spyware against journalists, highlighting the importance of digital security.
RSF’s forensic service for journalists, Digital Security Lab, conducted extensive investigations, and the findings were independently confirmed by Amnesty International’s Security Lab.
The revelation comes amidst the ongoing trial of the journalists, who were accused of attacking the minister’s honor and “inciting revolt.” RSF expressed concerns about the journalists being targeted by Togolese authorities for an extended period.
This incident marks the first proven case of spyware being used against journalists in Togo, adding to the global trend of Pegasus spyware targeting journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition figures.
