Brazil wins program to create first national spyware detection tool

Data Privacy Brasil, a Brazilian organization that promotes data protection culture and digital rights, has opened registrations for the new “Malhas Digitais” notification aimed at financing startups that detect spyware. The initiative will mark the launch of Brazil’s first spyware detection project.

With the support of the International Spyware Accountability Initiative project, the program will offer not only financial investment but also professional support with computer science experts. prototypes Budget up to R$ 50 thousand.

In total, the program must select three projects that present both technical initiatives (aimed at detecting spyware and combating it with solutions) and more educational initiatives, for example, the preparation of educational booklets. Projects must be delivered by October 25, 2024..

According to the organization, the aim of the program is to stimulate discussion on the topic and encourage the development of innovative projects to combat spyware in Brazil.

“We want to encourage Brazilian organizations to think about the issue, develop ideas and promote common defense strategies.Brazilian Data Privacy Asymmetries and Power field coordinator Pedro Saliba explained that it specifically targets social movements.

“Creating a national spyware detection tool is very important because Cyber ​​surveillance directly impacts Brazil’s digital sovereignty and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights,” added Data Privacy Brasil Asymmetries and Power researcher Vinicius Silva.

Who can participate?

program will accept proposals from non-profit organizations, groups and collectives (even if not yet formalized or without CNPJ). Small or medium-sized companies, micro-enterprises and individual micro-entrepreneurs can also apply, but the social purpose of the enterprise must be justified in the motivation letter.

Selected groups will hold bi-weekly planning and monitoring meetings, along with guidance from experts and researchers from Data Privacy Brasil. Offers should be sent Use this form until 31 October at 23:59along with a cover letter, conceptual note and project budget. More information about the livestream or questions-answering meeting will be posted on the Data Privacy Brazil website.

Spyware is a threat to ordinary citizens

In short, spyware is spy programs that infiltrate and steal data and information about the activities carried out on users’ computers, mobile phones and other devices.

“Spyware can be used to steal personal information“Unauthorized surveillance and extortion, whether by cybercriminals or authoritarian governments,” Silva says.

Pegasus spyware has become one of the most talked about names of recent years and has become quite popular. Malware developed by Israeli company NSO Group has been used by governments around the world to spy on politicians, journalists and other public figures.

Although the Israeli espionage program primarily affects individuals who are privy to sensitive information concerning enemies, ordinary citizens are also subjected to this program.

“Anyone with a connected device can be targeted, especially if spyware is used in mass surveillance campaigns. Risks include theft of passwords and banking information and exposure of sensitive data These can be used for blackmail or other illegal activities,” Vinicius Silva warned.

Brazil among the countries most affected by malware

A recent survey conducted by cybersecurity and data protection company Acronis found Brazil stands out as one of the main targets of malware attacks such as spyware and ransomwareall around the world.

According to Vinicius, the absence of educational campaigns and a systematic approach to digital literacy results in a population that is vulnerable and unprepared to face cyber threats.

“Increasing connectivity in Brazil should be accompanied by digital security awareness initiatives, but this is still underestimated in public policies” he defended.

Silva underlined the government’s duty to establish a clear spyware detection protocol to protect the rights of the public. “The lack of regulations and transparent policies puts the public at risk, exposing them to rights violations without adequate protection or recourse mechanisms,” he criticized.

Although it is understood that the government has obligations to protect Brazilians’ cyber data, Brazilian Data Privacy representatives said the consequences of the notification Digital Networks will not be shared with the federal government.

Pedro Saliba concludes: “We do not expect the state to confiscate the tools developed, because these tools are aimed at protecting civil society against surveillance tools.”