WhatsApp blocks a cyberattack linked to Israeli spyware company Paragon, raising concerns over mercenary surveillance tools.
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| WhatsApp exposes Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions for targeting journalists and civil society members across 24 countries using a zero-click hack. Image: ChicHue |
Washington, USA — February 1, 2025:
Meta Platforms' messaging service, WhatsApp, revealed that Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions targeted users, including journalists and civil society members, across at least 24 countries.
WhatsApp confirmed it had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon and is committed to protecting users' privacy. The company said the hacking attempt affected about 90 users, who were located in multiple regions, including Europe. The attack involved a zero-click spyware method, in which malicious documents were sent to victims without requiring any interaction to activate the spyware.
WhatsApp has neutralized the hack and is collaborating with Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog, to further investigate. The company did not provide specifics on how it identified Paragon as the source, and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have been notified.
Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton warned of the growing issue of mercenary spyware, which is increasingly used for surveillance of journalists, activists, and political figures. Paragon, which markets surveillance tools to government clients, has faced criticism for its software being used against individuals in the political and civil rights sectors.
Paragon, which was acquired by AE Industrial Partners in December 2024, has yet to comment on the allegations. Experts, such as Natalia Krapiva of Access Now, have raised concerns about the broader implications of the spyware industry, noting that the misuse of these tools is an inherent problem within the market.