Sicherheit: ARD: Warnung vor Spähsoftware auf Politiker-Handys

Berlin. The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned Bundestag deputies and government members about the potential threat of spyware on their smartphones, according to information from the ARD Headquarters studio. The concern appears to be related to iPhones produced by Apple. Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger (CDU) disclosed this during an ARD "Berlin Report," stating that there has been an "Apple notification that certain devices were potentially compromised with so-called spyware."

The BSI had "responded very quickly" and contacted all affected parties, but did not specify further action to be taken. Wildberger emphasized that the specifics of what the threat might entail remain speculative and must be awaited. He did not directly attribute the issue to a potential AI attack, as spyware has been prevalent on phones for a longer period.

Spyware is malicious software that is installed on computers or smartphones without the user's knowledge or consent, collecting data and sending it to third parties. This can include keystrokes, messages, photos, location data, calls, and microphone recordings. Ploys to infiltrate devices include manipulated email attachments, deceptive links, or malicious apps from dubious sources, sometimes exploiting security loopholes in outdated software. Besides criminals and stalkers, states also employ spyware.