WhatsApp Pegasus spyware row: IT Minister says will launch security audit of WhatsApp

India plans to launch a security assessment of WhatsApp amid spyware scare. Of late, WhatsApp is dealing with serious security concerns raised due to NSO Group - Pegasus spyware controversy came to light last month. In light of se ongoing security concerns, India is looking to conduct a security audit of Facebook-owned messaging app.

During his discussion in Parliament on Thursday, IT Minister Ravi Shankar Pras said that WhatsApp CEO Will Cathcart h t mentioned about any vulnerability of ir system during ir meetings with ministry and that government was yet to receive names of people targeted by unnamed entities using Pegasus spyware.

Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Pras said government h issued a tice to Israeli techlogy firm NSO Group, which created Pegasus, on vember 26, seeking details about malware as well as its impact.

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WhatsApp Pegasus spyware controversy

Last month, WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO Group for hacking into 1400 accounts using its highly sophisticated Pegasus spyware software. Facebook's lawsuit against NSO Group h said software developed by NSO kwn as Pegasus was designed to be remotely installed to hijack devices running Android, iOS, and BlackBerry operating systems.

When reports about breach came in media,  CERT-IN (Computer Emergency Response Team) sought submissions from WhatsApp in Septemeber, including a need to conduct an audit and inspection of WhatsApp security system and process, Pras said.

" response from WhatsApp was received on vember 18, 2019 and furr clarification and technical details have been sought on vember 26, 2019.

"CERT-IN has also sent a tice to NSO Group on vember 26, 2019 seeling details about malware and its impact on Indian users," he said.

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Pras also said that government is committed to ensuring safety and security of online platforms such as WhatsApp. He also said that government is also working to strengn Information Techlogy (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules 2011. minister asserted India would never compromise its data security.

(With ncy inputs)