In early March, Motherboard reported that a new, mysterious government-malware company called Grey Heron is advertising malware designed to steal data from Signal and Telegram messaging apps. The company seemingly came out of nowhere, suddenly advertising its wares at surveillance fairs over the last few months.

But Grey Heron does have a history: The company emerged from controversial spyware firm Hacking Team, despite Grey Heron not mentioning these links publicly, Motherboard has learned. The move, it appears, may be to distance Grey Heron from the notorious, and perhaps damaged, brand of Hacking Team.

“Grey Heron’s mission is to provide to law enforcement the strong tools to balance the capabilities of those who wish to do harm,” a copy of Grey Heron’s brochure previously published by Motherboard reads.

Grey Heron was formed from other players in the government hacking space, including Hacking Team, a source familiar with the company said. In private conversations within the surveillance industry that were later detailed to Motherboard, Grey Heron has suggested it sees distancing itself from Hacking Team and its history as a benefit.

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