For more than a decade, governments worldwide have targeted journalists and human rights activists with sophisticated spyware, leading to compromised phones and, in some cases, real-world violence. In response, a team of digital security experts has emerged to combat this threat.

The team, consisting of a dozen experts primarily based in Costa Rica, Manila, and Tunisia, operates under the New York-headquartered nonprofit Access Now, specifically within its Digital Security Helpline. Their mission is to provide 24/7 assistance to journalists, human rights defenders, and dissidents who suspect they have been hacked, particularly by mercenary spyware developed by companies like NSO Group, Intellexa, or Paragon.

Hassen Selmi, who leads the incident response team at Access Now, emphasized the importance of providing accessible cybersecurity support to civil society and journalists, enabling them to seek help whenever they experience a cybersecurity incident.

The use of spyware by governments has been documented in countries including Ethiopia, Greece, Hungary, India, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Victims have faced intimidation, harassment, and, in extreme cases, murder. The Access Now team aims to mitigate these risks by offering technical assistance and guidance to those targeted.

The Digital Security Helpline provides a range of services, including incident response, threat analysis, and digital security training. They work to identify the source of the attack, secure compromised devices, and provide recommendations to prevent future incidents.

While Access Now focuses on assisting individuals and organizations at high risk, the broader issue of government spyware has sparked international debate. Concerns have been raised about the lack of regulation and oversight in the spyware industry, as well as the potential for abuse by governments.

Some policymakers have called for stricter export controls on spyware technology and greater transparency from companies that develop and sell it. Others argue that spyware can be a legitimate tool for law enforcement and national security agencies, provided it is used with appropriate safeguards and oversight.

The work of the Access Now team highlights the growing need for digital security expertise and resources to protect vulnerable communities from government surveillance. As spyware technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, the demand for such services is likely to increase.