Free eBook: Detecting Pegasus and Other Spyware on Your Smartphone Using Python & Open-Source Tools
In a world where advanced spyware like Pegasus can secretly infiltrate smartphones, it’s critical to equip yourself with tools that help you identify and remove such threats. This guide presents various free and open-source methods for detecting spyware on your device, along with practical Python examples for those inclined to automate the process.
1. mvt (Mobile Verification Toolkit)
MVT (Mobile Verification Toolkit) helps analyze mobile devices, specifically targeting Pegasus infections. It works on both iOS and Android platforms. Here’s how to get started:
• Install MVT with Python:
pip install mvt
Clone the MVT repository and run a scan on your backup files:
git clone https://github.com/mvt-project/mvt.git
python mvt-ios --analyze ~/backups
• GitHub Link: MVT
2. Stowaway
Stowaway is an open-source proxy tool that monitors unauthorized communication in your mobile device network. It is widely used to identify suspicious outbound traffic, typical of spyware trying to send your data to third parties.
• Running Stowaway with Python:
import subprocess
def monitor_traffic():
subprocess.run(["stowaway", "start", "--proxy-port", "8888"])
monitor_traffic()
• GitHub Link: Stowaway
3. Chkrootkit
Chkrootkit is a tool that searches for traces of rootkits and spyware on mobile and computer backups. It can detect malicious software, including spyware used for surveillance.
• Python Example for Running Chkrootkit:
import os
def check_for_spyware():
os.system("chkrootkit")
check_for_spyware()
• GitHub Link: Chkrootkit
4. Wireshark
Wireshark is a powerful tool for real-time traffic analysis, and it can be instrumental in identifying spyware communication with external servers.
• Python Example to Capture Suspicious Traffic:
import pyshark
capture = pyshark.LiveCapture(interface='eth0')
capture.sniff(timeout=10)
for packet in capture:
print(packet)
• GitHub Link: Wireshark
5. Open Source Indicators of Compromise (IOC)
The IOC project from Abuse.ch provides a regularly updated database of indicators linked to spyware. It can help identify if your device has interacted with known spyware IPs or domains.
• Python Script for Fetching IOC Data:
import requests
response = requests.get('https://threatfox.abuse.ch/export/json/iocs/')
print(response.json())
• GitHub Link: ThreatFox
While these free tools are incredibly useful, they require manual installation and constant updates to stay effective. Traceum, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive solution with its real-time detection that constantly monitors for new spyware behaviors. This eliminates the need for manual intervention and ensures you’re
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