Amid the onset of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, and social media, Meta-owned WhatsApp confirmed a sophisticated ‘zero-click’ spyware attack targeting approximately 90 journalists and activists.
Earlier, WhatsApp filed a lawsuit, accusing an Israeli group of sending malware, using WhatsApp’s system, to approximately 1,400 mobile phones and devices designed to infect those devices to surveil the users of those phones and devices.
The targets included journalists, human rights activists and dissidents. Among the 1,400 mobile phones that were infected, 300 were of Indian users.
According to US media, Meta has confirmed that the hack “targeted a number of users including journalists and members of civil society,” and is currently notifying those thought to have been victims of the as yet unnamed attackers.
“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions. WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately,” a Meta spokesperson reportedly said.
As per reports, over 90 high-risk WhatsApp users were targeted, from around 20 countries.
WhatsApp issued a cease-and-desist letter to Israel’s Paragon Solutions after attempted attacks. A spokesperson stated that affected users were notified via WhatsApp with security guidance. Paragon Solutions has not responded to requests for comment, as per reports.
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