Meta Alleges Israeli Spyware Firm Targeted WhatsApp Users in 24 Countries

WASHINGTON (Reuters): An official from Meta Platforms’ (META.O) widely-used WhatsApp messaging service on Friday claimed that Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions targeted users, including journalists and civil society members, in a sophisticated cyberattack across 24 countries.

The WhatsApp official confirmed that Paragon’s spyware exploited a zero-click vulnerability, compromising devices without user interaction. They stated that WhatsApp has since disrupted the hacking attempt and issued a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon. In a statement, WhatsApp emphasized its commitment to safeguarding users’ private communications.

Paragon declined to comment on the allegations.

The spyware attack, attributed to Paragon Solutions, impacted individuals across more than two dozen countries, including several in Europe. The malicious documents used in the attack required no user interaction, making it a highly stealthy zero-click exploit. WhatsApp has referred affected users to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog group, for further assistance.

John Scott-Railton, a researcher at Citizen Lab, highlighted that the discovery of Paragon’s spyware targeting WhatsApp users underscores the growing threat of mercenary spyware and its misuse against vulnerable groups.

WhatsApp has informed law enforcement and industry partners about the breach but declined to provide further details on how Paragon’s involvement was confirmed.

The FBI has not yet commented on the incident.