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Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp has raised concerns after it was reported that nearly 100 users were targeted by spyware linked to Israeli software maker Paragon Solutions.
The spyware attempt reportedly sought to compromise the devices of media personnel and members of civil society, with the attack occurring through the WhatsApp platform.
In a statement, WhatsApp confirmed the hacking attempt, asserting that the spyware aimed to infiltrate the devices of its users.
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However, the company refrained from providing specific details about the affected individuals or the methods employed by the hackers. Despite the breach, WhatsApp successfully intervened, blocking the attack and notifying impacted users, directing them to the Canadian cybersecurity watchdog, Citizen Lab.
While the exact way Paragon’s involvement in the attack was determined remains unclear, WhatsApp officials confirmed that law enforcement agencies and industry partners were alerted to the situation.
In response to the breach, WhatsApp issued a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon Solutions, emphasising the company’s commitment to safeguarding the privacy of its users. A representative from WhatsApp stated, “We will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.”
The perpetrators behind the attack are still unknown, and the spyware is believed to have been distributed using hacking software provided by Paragon Solutions. Similar to other spyware vendors, Paragon supplies its tools to government clients, according to reports by The Guardian.
This is not the first time WhatsApp has been targeted by spyware. In 2019, the company sued Israeli technology firm NSO Group after it was discovered that the group had used malware to monitor 1,400 users, including journalists and human rights activists, through the messaging app.
As the threat of cyberattacks on communication platforms continues to grow, WhatsApp remains focused on securing its users’ privacy and ensuring their safety against surveillance tactics.
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