InfoSecBulletin Cybersecurity for mankind
WhatsApp reveiled on Friday that a “zero-click” spyware attack, linked to the Israeli company Paragon, has targeted many users globally, including journalists and civil society members.
The spyware targeted almost 100 WhatsApp users, including journalists, and operated without user interaction, links, or attachments, making it particularly dangerous.
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Reuters reported that Meta has addressed the attack, informed affected users, and announced the breach to the public.
“We disrupted a spyware campaign by Paragon that targeted a number of users, including journalists and other individuals. We have directly contacted those we believe were affected and We have directly contacted the individuals we believe were affected ”
“This collaboration involved Citizen Lab, a renowned cybersecurity watchdog, which provided key insights enabling WhatsApp to reconstruct the attack.
“They can access your encrypted messages, read your chats, view your photos, browse your messages, listen to voice memos, check your notes, access your contacts, and steal your passwords.”
“They can also do things you can’t, like silently activating your microphone to eavesdrop on conversations or turning on your camera.”
“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their wrongdoing. WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.” John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab said.
Fanpage.io reported that Francesco Cancellato, director of the Italian newspaper Fanpage.it, was a victim of a spyware attack.
The breach affected more than 90 journalists, activists, and civil society members globally. Cancellato received a notification from WhatsApp regarding the attack on his device.
“Our investigations indicate that you may have received a malicious file through WhatsApp, and the spyware may have accessed your data, including messages saved on your device.”
Cancellato explained that his team, alongside independent analysts, is conducting a detailed analysis to determine the scope of the breach, including what data was accessed and for how long. “We also want to know who ordered this espionage activity,” he said.
The organization is monitoring spyware companies like Paragon, which claims to be a more ethical option compared to controversial firms like NSO Group, known for the Pegasus spyware.
Paragon’s reputation is in question after the WhatsApp revelation, despite its claims of operating only in democratic countries and respecting human rights.
