Scary iOS spyware can hide iPhone recording indicators

Researchers at Jamf Threat Labs have discovered new iOS spyware that can stop the iPhone camera and microphone indicator lights from working, opensing the possibility of the camera and microphone recording without the users being aware of it.

The spyware, called Predator, is developed by Intellexa, a commercial spyware consortium that generally targets governments and large companies. According to Jamf’s report, Predator can selectively suppress the green (for the camera and microphone) and orange (mic only) indicators that appear at the top of an iPhone.

Predator spyware has been around for years and works similarly to the Pegasus spyware that was used to hack phones belonging to journalists and activists. Predator can access a phone’s camera and microphone, record data, and send that data to the threat agent. It requires user interaction to infect a phone, which is usually done through a link sent to the target user via Messages.

What’s new, as Jamf’s report details, is how Predator can stop the indicators from working. Back in iOS 14, Apple added indicator lights to the status bar as a security measure to let users know when an app or background task has accessed the camera or microphone. You’ll see a green dot when using the Camera app, for instance, or a persistent orange dot if you’re recording a voice memo in notes and swipe away to a different app.

How to protect your iPhone from spyware

Predator is used by agencies for governmental or corporate espionage for specific targets. It’s not really used on a mass scale in the wild, so you are unlikely to encounter it. That being said, this is an opportunity to remind users not to open links that are sent from unfamiliar senders. If a message looks suspicious, don’t open any message links.

It’s also imprtant to install iOS updates as soon as it’s feasible. Updates usually include important security patches to protect you and your device. YOu can update your iPhone by tapping Settings > General > Software Update.

For more advice about protecting your iPhonre read iPhone security tips: How to protect your phone from hackers.