Paragon Spyware Targets WhatsApp Users in Two Dozen Countries, Including Journalists

WhatsApp has uncovered an effort by Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions to hack users in over two dozen countries, including journalists and civil society members.

Zero-Click Hack

The spyware used a zero-click hack, which requires no user interaction to infiltrate WhatsApp accounts.

This type of attack is particularly stealthy, as users are unaware their devices have been compromised.

Targeted Users

About 90 users were affected by the hack. The specifics of who was targeted remain undisclosed, but some were located in Europe.

WhatsApp disrupted the hacking efforts and referred the targets to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog.

Concerns Over Spyware

The discovery highlights growing concerns over mercenary spyware proliferation. While companies like Paragon market their software as tools for fighting crime and enhancing national security, these tools have been found on the phones of journalists, activists, and politicians, raising ethical concerns about misuse.

Paragon’s Response

Paragon has not commented on the allegations. However, the company had previously positioned itself as a responsible player in the spyware industry, claiming to sell only to stable democratic governments.

The revelations indicate a broader problem with the unchecked growth of spyware, especially targeting vulnerable individuals such as journalists and activists.