ICE under fire for employing Paragon surveillance software, with EFF voicing concerns
In a recent development, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has expressed concern over the resumption of a contract between the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and surveillance company Paragon Solutions. The contract, worth two million dollars, has been reactivated following an acquisition and a subsequent merger involving Paragon Solutions.
The private investment firm Audax Group owns Paragon Solutions, and the cybersecurity companies Paragon Solutions and Centurion formed through a merger. This merger could potentially allow ICE to circumvent Executive Order 14093, which prohibits the purchase of spyware controlled by foreign governments or individuals.
The nature and purpose of Paragon's spyware, named 'Catwatchful', are not detailed in this report. However, it is known that the Paragon malware 'Graphite' was used in Italy to spy on journalists, civil society actors, and humanitarian workers. Paragon Solutions is a provider of surveillance software whose products have been linked to human rights abuses in several cases.
A data leak has exposed the 'Catwatchful' spyware, affecting thousands of users. The source of the data leak is not specified, and it is not clear whether any government agencies or corporations are involved in the use or development of 'Catwatchful' spyware.
The EFF provides further recommendations in its guides to digital self-defense, but this article does not detail any specific recommendations for protecting oneself against 'Catwatchful' spyware. The organization warns that without effective legal safeguards, similar misuse could also occur by U.S. agencies.
The risk that Paragon insiders might use the software against U.S. government agencies is not ruled out. The reactivation of the contract appears to be linked to an acquisition: Paragon Solutions' U.S. subsidiary was acquired by the private equity firm AE Industrial Partners in Miami and then merged with the cybersecurity company REDLattice in Virginia.
The EFF has criticized the resumption of the contract, expressing concerns about the potential for human rights abuses and the lack of legal safeguards. The organization urges for transparency and accountability in the use of such surveillance technologies by government agencies.
Users can protect themselves by regularly updating their devices, enabling lockdown mode on iPhones or enhanced protection mode on Android, and using ephemeral messaging. It is crucial to stay vigilant and informed in the face of such developments.
Read also:
- East Asian countries should be cautious, as scamming operations are moving towards the region - it's high time we stay vigilant. - Phar Kim Beng
- Senators pressure nominated leader of CISA on election security concerns, focus of agency highlighted
- Digital passwords come under pressure as major tech companies move towards strengthened security measures
- Blockaid's security services now integrated into D'CENT Wallet, enhancing Web3's safety measures.
