Memento Labs CEO Confirms Government Client Misused Dante Spyware Targeting Russia Belarus

Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has uncovered a spyware named Dante that targets Windows users in Russia and Belarus, primarily affecting individuals in media, universities, research institutions, and government offices. The spyware was developed by Memento Labs, an Italian surveillance technology company that succeeded the notorious Hacking Team. Memento Labs CEO Paolo Lezzi confirmed the spyware's origin and stated that its misuse was due to a government client using an outdated version of Dante, which Memento plans to discontinue support for by the end of the year. Kaspersky's investigation revealed that the spyware was deployed through phishing attacks exploiting browser vulnerabilities, underlining ongoing concerns about government use of surveillance technology against citizens and foreign targets. While Memento Labs now focuses exclusively on mobile spyware, the Dante incident highlights the persistent challenges posed by such tools even when older firms shut down. Kaspersky refrained from specifying the government behind the espionage but noted the threat actor's proficiency in Russian language and local nuances, suggesting a sophisticated, government-backed campaign.