Chinese authorities are using a new tool to hack seized phones and extract data
10 months ago
- #cybersecurity
- #China
- #surveillance
- Chinese authorities use new malware called Massistant to extract data from seized phones.
- Massistant, developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, extracts texts, images, location history, audio, and contacts.
- The malware requires physical access to unlocked Android devices and works with a hardware tower.
- Massistant leaves traces on devices, allowing users to potentially detect and remove it.
- Chinese police can legally search phones without a warrant, especially at border checkpoints.
- Massistant is the successor to MSSocket, another forensic tool by Xiamen Meiya Pico.
- Xiamen Meiya Pico holds 40% of China's digital forensics market and was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2021.
- The company did not respond to requests for comment.
- Massistant is part of a larger ecosystem of Chinese surveillance malware.