Mercenary Spyware and Exploit Brokers: A Growing Threat in Latin America

Introduction

In recent years, Latin America has witnessed a surge in cyber activities involving mercenary spyware and exploit brokers. These entities provide sophisticated surveillance tools and zero-day exploits to various clients, including nation-states and private organizations. The proliferation of such tools has raised concerns about privacy, security, and the potential for misuse.

Mercenary Spyware and Exploit Brokers

Mercenary spyware companies develop and sell surveillance software to clients seeking to monitor communications, extract data, and gain unauthorized access to target systems. Notable examples include:

• Cytrox: Established in 2017, Cytrox is known for its "Predator" spyware, which has been linked to targeting politicians, journalists, and activists. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Commerce added Cytrox to its Entity List for trafficking in cyber exploits. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Candiru: Founded in 2014, Candiru offers spyware capable of exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities across various platforms. Their "DevilsTongue" implant has been used to remotely control devices and extract sensitive information. (en.wikipedia.org)

These companies often operate under the guise of providing lawful surveillance tools to governments and law enforcement agencies. However, their products have been implicated in targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and political dissidents.

Commercial Offensive Tools and Red Team Frameworks

The availability of commercial offensive tools has democratized cyber capabilities, enabling a broader range of actors to conduct sophisticated cyber operations. Red team frameworks, such as "RedTeamLLM," utilize large language models to automate penetration testing tasks, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of security assessments. While these tools are designed for defensive purposes, they can be repurposed for offensive operations, raising concerns about their potential misuse. (arxiv.org)

Surveillance-as-a-Service in Latin America

The Latin American region has become a focal point for surveillance-as-a-service offerings. Companies like Bold Technologies and Boldend provide cyber intelligence and offensive security tools to various government agencies. Bold Technologies, for instance, is involved in Abu Dhabi's Aion Sentia initiative, an AI-powered smart city project launched in March 2025. These collaborations raise questions about the ethical implications of deploying surveillance technologies in democratic societies. (misp-galaxy.org)

Implications for Latin America

The proliferation of mercenary spyware and exploit brokers in Latin America poses several risks:

• Erosion of Privacy: Widespread surveillance can infringe on individual privacy rights, leading to self-censorship and a chilling effect on free speech.

• Targeting of Civil Society: Human rights defenders, journalists, and activists are particularly vulnerable to surveillance, which can disrupt their work and endanger their safety.

• Geopolitical Tensions: The use of foreign surveillance tools by domestic actors can strain international relations and raise concerns about sovereignty and autonomy.

Conclusion

As mercenary spyware and exploit brokers continue to expand their operations in Latin America, it is imperative for governments, civil society, and the international community to address the challenges posed by these technologies. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, enacting clear regulations, and fostering transparency are essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with surveillance-as-a-service and protect the fundamental rights of individuals in the region.