In December 2024, Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) published extensive research on Intellexa's Predator spyware, documenting its zero-day exploit chains and the PREYHUNTER stager component. Their research identified that the "watcher" module detects developer mode, jailbreak tools, security applications and network interception configurations.

However, while conducting independent reverse engineering of a Predator sample, Jamf Threat Labs discovered several undocumented mechanisms that reveal how sophisticated this spyware's anti-analysis capabilities truly are. This post presents original findings including:

A complete error code taxonomy (301-311) that enables operators to diagnose exactly why an implant failed

Implementation details for each detection method that go beyond high-level descriptions

An undocumented crash reporter monitoring system for anti-forensics

SpringBoard hooking to hide recording indicators from victims

Kernel exploitation class names that reveal the internal architecture [Slashdot.org]

"Gaza is our show": U.S. pushes its plan over Netanyahu's objections [AXIOS] #Gaza #GazaGenocide #GazaCeasefire #WestBankEscalation #TwilightZone #TwoStateSolution

Dropout CEO Sam Reich on the business of subscription comedy [Decoder with Nilay Patel]

Uncle Sam the shareholder — Trump has been on an acquisition spree, taking direct stakes in 14 companies spanning steel, rare earth minerals, semiconductors, and more [Quartz]

50,000 clandestine Starlink terminals are keeping Iranians in touch with the rest of the world [Vox]

Late-Night Pho Spot Turtle Tower Debuts a New Marina Location [Eater SF]

Safeguarding Essential Medicines in an Uncertain World [Inc.]

What we can learn about U.S. disaster response—a year after the LA wildfires [Fast Company]

AI Has Taken Over Almost Every Industry — Here's How to Use It [Entrepreneur]

The AI Gap is Widening — A new report shows businesses that adopted AI early are seeing double the revenue growth. And it’s not too late to catch up. [WIRED]

Tech News Weekly 420 [TWIT]

Gemini introduces Personal Intelligence [Google Blog]

Unlocking health insights: Estimating advanced walking metrics with smartwatches [Google Research]

ENERGY - VOLUME XV, NUMBER 2 | WINTER 2024 [Lapharm’s Quarterly]

2026 will be a big year for space science [Astronomy Magazine]

Today’s Lesson Plan: How Students — And Teachers — Are Becoming AI Literate [Salesforce]

Extend Cloud ERP with a Clean Core using SAP Build | SAP 101 [SAP] #SAP #IwantToWorkAtSAP #Neurodivergent

What’s up, everybody! It’s Tuesday, January 20th, 2026. Special shout-out to #GeeksNerdsOtakus! There will be a “Coffee With Zaki” in French later tonight.