Israeli spyware company NSO Group CEO steps down

JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israeli spyware and adware agency NSO Group mentioned on Sunday its Chief Govt Shalev Hulio is stepping down with speedy impact, with Chief Working Officer Yaron Shohat appointed to supervise a reorganisation of the corporate earlier than a successor is known as.

A supply within the firm confirmed that round 100 staff can be let go as a part of the agency’s reorganisation, and that Shohat will lead the corporate till the board appoints a brand new CEO.

The surveillance agency, which makes Pegasus software program, has been contending with authorized motion after allegations that its instruments had been misused by governments and different companies to hack cell phones.

NSO has mentioned its know-how is meant to assist catch terrorists, paedophiles and hardened criminals and is bought to “vetted and legit” authorities shoppers, though it retains its consumer listing confidential.

“The corporate’s merchandise stay in excessive demand with governments and legislation enforcement companies due to its cutting-edge know-how and confirmed skill to help these clients in combating crime and terror,” Shohat mentioned in a press release.

“NSO will be certain that the corporate’s groundbreaking applied sciences are used for rightful and worthy functions,” he added.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell and Steven Scheer; Enhancing by Toby Chopra and Jan Harvey)