Explained: What is Pegasus spyware and how much does it cost?

Pegasus can also be deleted remotely. It's very hard to detect and once it's deleted, leaves few traces

A multinational investigation in July sparked off a scandal about widespread, illegal surveillance being carried out by nation states on their citizens. The probe centred on a list of “targets” of the Pegasus spyware. At least 40 Indian journalists, along with MPs, judges and others were supposedly targeted by Pegasus.

What is Pegasus?

It’s the name of a spyware developed by Israeli firm NSO.

Who can buy it?

NSO claims it will only sell the software to government agencies, with a contractual clause that the spyware can only be used in cases of suspected crime or terrorist activity. In practice, the clause is unenforceable