Serbian civil society hit by largest documented spyware wave

Student protesters were among the victims of a large‑scale spyware intrusion in Serbia, according to the digital‑rights organization Share Foundation, which identified at least 14 individuals from various civil‑society groups as having been infected with advanced surveillance tools earlier this year. The infections, described by Share as the most extensive documented wave of its kind in the country, were uncovered in August after Apple alerted users in 110 nations that they might have been targeted by a commercial spyware platform.

Serbian authorities, led by President Aleksandar Vučić’s government, have denied any involvement in the alleged spying, rejecting claims that state actors facilitated the attacks. Share Foundation’s findings highlight growing concerns over the use of sophisticated cyber‑espionage tools against activists and journalists in the region, underscoring the need for stronger digital‑security measures and greater transparency regarding surveillance practices.