🚨 WhatsApp Blocks Spyware Attack Targeting Journalists & Civil Society 🚨
🕵️♂️ Spyware Campaign Exposed!
Meta-owned WhatsApp has uncovered and disrupted a major spyware campaign targeting 90 journalists and civil society members worldwide.
📌 Who Was Behind the Attack?
The spyware, linked to Israeli company Paragon Solutions, was deployed via a zero-click exploit, meaning users were hacked without even clicking a link.
📂 How Did the Attack Work?
- Attackers sent a malicious PDF file through group chats on WhatsApp.
- Victims didn’t need to open or interact with the message for infection.
- Once inside, spyware could monitor conversations, steal data, and track movements.
⏳ When & How Was It Stopped?
- WhatsApp neutralized the attack in December 2024.
- The company notified affected users and sent a legal notice to Paragon Solutions.
- WhatsApp is considering further legal actions to prevent future abuse.
⚠️ Who Uses This Spyware?
- Paragon’s Graphite spyware is sold to government agencies.
- The U.S. DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) allegedly used it for counternarcotics operations.
- In Poland, former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro was arrested for approving Pegasus spyware to spy on opposition leaders.
⚖️ WhatsApp’s Legal Victory Against Spyware
- In 2019, NSO Group used WhatsApp to infect 1,400 devices with Pegasus spyware.
- A California court ruled in WhatsApp’s favor, strengthening its fight against spyware abuse.
🔥 What Happens Next?
- WhatsApp remains committed to protecting user privacy.
- Governments and surveillance companies face growing legal challenges over spyware misuse.
- The future of digital security vs. surveillance is at stake.
💬 What do you think about government spyware? Should WhatsApp take more action? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
#CyberSecurity #WhatsApp #Spyware #DataPrivacy #Journalism #Meta #TechNews