Cybersecurity firm iVerify has discovered a powerful new spyware called Zero Day Rat that can directly monitor iPhones and Android devices, raising global privacy and security concerns.
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| Researchers warn that Zero Day Rat, allegedly marketed via Telegram, supports most modern smartphones, exposing millions of users worldwide to potential cyber surveillance. Image: CH |
Tech Desk — February 18, 2026:
A newly discovered spyware capable of directly infiltrating and monitoring smartphones has triggered renewed concern across the global cybersecurity landscape. The threat, identified by iVerify and named Zero Day Rat, is described as a highly sophisticated surveillance tool targeting both Apple’s iOS devices and smartphones running Google’s Android operating system.
Spyware has long posed risks to digital privacy, but researchers suggest that Zero Day Rat significantly expands the scope of potential damage. According to iVerify, the malware allows attackers to remotely monitor activity on infected devices in real time. This includes the ability to read private messages, observe user interactions on applications, track precise location data through mapping services, and access sensitive financial information stored on the device. If confirmed, such capabilities would grant cybercriminals an unprecedented window into victims’ personal and professional lives.
One of the most troubling elements of the discovery is the spyware’s broad compatibility. Researchers claim Zero Day Rat supports Android versions ranging from 5 through 16 and iOS devices up to version 26. This extensive range suggests that both older and newer smartphones could be vulnerable, dramatically widening the potential target pool. Unlike threats that rely on outdated systems, this spyware appears designed to operate across multiple generations of mobile software, raising the stakes for users worldwide.
Adding to the concern is the claim that the spyware is being advertised for sale through Telegram. Investigators report that it is marketed with a comprehensive management panel that allows operators to oversee and control infected phones remotely. The alleged availability of such a tool on a widely used messaging platform underscores the growing commercialization of cybercrime, where sophisticated surveillance capabilities are packaged and sold in a manner resembling legitimate software services.
Despite outlining the spyware’s functionality, iVerify has not disclosed how Zero Day Rat infiltrates devices. Cybersecurity experts note that spyware commonly spreads through malicious applications, compromised downloads, or deceptive links designed to trick users into granting access. In many cases, infection occurs when individuals install apps from unverified developers or fail to scrutinize requested permissions.
The broader implications extend beyond individual privacy. Smartphones now function as central repositories of financial records, private conversations, corporate communications, and real-time location data. As digital dependence continues to grow across cities and continents, mobile devices have become prime targets for increasingly organized cybercriminal networks. The emergence of Zero Day Rat illustrates how surveillance technology is evolving alongside that dependence.
Security analysts emphasize that vigilance remains the most effective defense. Users are encouraged to download applications only from trusted sources, regularly update operating systems, review app permissions carefully, and remain alert to unusual device behavior. While investigations into Zero Day Rat continue, the discovery serves as a stark reminder that in today’s interconnected world, the security of personal data is inseparable from the security of the smartphone itself.