Egypt: Opposition Presidential Candidate Targeted by Spyware

Improve the News Foundation -

Facts

  • Security researchers at Citizen Lab have claimed that attempts were made to hack Egyptian presidential candidate Ahmed Altantawy's data. Experts from the internet watchdog say the efforts likely stemmed from the current Egyptian government under Pres. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.1
  • In assessments published in a blog post, Citizen Lab claimed that attacks against the politician began at the start of August and were identified by its researchers as well as Google's Threat Analysis Group last week. Attempts were also allegedly made to access Altantaway's phone in May.2
  • The phone attacks are believed to have occurred through the connection of Altantawy's device to Vodafone's Egypt mobile network in such a way that, during visits of some websites, without a secure HTTPS protocol, the phone was automatically infected with spyware called 'Predator.'3
  • Google and Citizen Lab claim that the spyware was built by Cytrox – an Israeli-Hungarian cyber arms company. Bill Marczak, senior researcher at Citizen Lab, stated that the 'most likely scenario' was that the attacks took place with 'cooperation from Vodafone.'4
  • It was concluded that the spyware attempts failed probably due to Altantaway's phone being in 'lockdown mode' – a status recommended by Apple for iPhone users potentially at high risk. Apple released operating system updates for its devices after the attacks were discovered.5
  • Altantawy announced in March that he was to stand against Pres. Sisi in the country's next election. Former journalist Altantawy has claimed the spyware attacks were 'inextricably linked' to his political aspirations, arguing Sisi's government sought to 'surveil' and 'discredit' his challenge.6

Sources: 1Al Jazeera, 2Associated Press, 3Abc news, 4Middle east monitor, 5Independent and 6Middle east observer.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by Egyptian gazette. The Egyptian government and its president are continuing to focus on the creation of a better society for the Egyptian people. Pres. Sisi understands the interests of those he has been trusted to lead, while his success is evident throughout the nation. We must all hope that the journey towards prosperity for all continues to flourish under the current government's guidance.
  • Narrative B, as provided by Middle east eye. The regime in Egypt is both authoritarian and relentless; it's cracking down against all those who attempt to voice their own opinion and provide an alternative to the country's leadership. Egypt's political and economic situation remains dire, without any reasonable chance of electoral change or revolution and regardless of a total lack of popular support.