Mercenary Spyware and Exploit Brokers: A Rising Threat in Latin America's Cybersecurity Landscape

Introduction

In recent years, Latin America has witnessed a surge in cyber threats stemming from mercenary spyware and exploit brokers. These entities, often operating covertly, provide sophisticated surveillance tools and zero-day exploits to various clients, including state and non-state actors. Their activities have escalated the threat landscape, necessitating heightened vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures across the region.

Mercenary Spyware: A Growing Concern

Mercenary spyware refers to surveillance software developed and sold by private companies to government agencies and intelligence services. While marketed for legitimate purposes such as counterterrorism and law enforcement, these tools have been misused to target journalists, activists, and political figures. Notable examples include:

• Predator by Cytrox: A sophisticated spyware capable of exploiting multiple zero-day vulnerabilities to gain control over mobile devices. In 2023, Predator was linked to surveillance operations in countries like Egypt and Greece, targeting politicians and journalists. (hyas.com)

• Candiru's DevilsTongue: An implant that exploits zero-day vulnerabilities in various operating systems and web browsers. Discovered in 2021, Candiru's spyware has been associated with surveillance activities in Israel and Iran. (en.wikipedia.org)

Exploit Brokers and the Proliferation of Offensive Cyber Tools

Exploit brokers act as intermediaries, acquiring and selling zero-day vulnerabilities to the highest bidder. This practice has led to the widespread availability of offensive cyber tools, which, when misused, can compromise critical infrastructure and personal data. For instance, in 2024, Google analysts observed that Russian state-sponsored actors reused exploits from commercial spyware vendors like NSO Group and Intellexa, highlighting the ease with which such tools can be repurposed for malicious activities. (arstechnica.com)

Red Team Frameworks and Surveillance-as-a-Service

Red team frameworks are offensive security tools used to simulate cyberattacks, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities. However, when these frameworks are sold as a service, they can be repurposed for malicious purposes. Companies like Boldend have developed such tools, which, despite being intended for defensive use, have been reported to exploit vulnerabilities in applications like WhatsApp. (misp-galaxy.org)

Implications for Latin America

The proliferation of mercenary spyware and exploit brokers poses significant risks to Latin America. The region's political instability, coupled with the increasing digitization of critical infrastructure, makes it a prime target for cyber espionage and surveillance. In 2025, Kaspersky ICS CERT reported on advanced persistent threat (APT) campaigns targeting industrial organizations, underscoring the vulnerability of critical sectors to cyberattacks. (ics-cert.kaspersky.com)

Recommendations

To mitigate these threats, Latin American nations should:

• Enhance Cybersecurity Policies: Develop and enforce robust cybersecurity frameworks that address the challenges posed by mercenary spyware and exploit brokers.

• Promote Transparency: Encourage transparency in the procurement and use of surveillance technologies to prevent misuse.

• Foster International Collaboration: Engage in international partnerships to share threat intelligence and best practices for combating cyber threats.

Conclusion

The rise of mercenary spyware and exploit brokers represents a formidable challenge to cybersecurity in Latin America. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that combines policy development, technological innovation, and international cooperation to safeguard the region's digital infrastructure and the privacy of its citizens.