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WhatsApp Thwarts Hacking Attempts by Spyware Firm Paragon, Targets 90 Journalists and Civil Society Members

In a significant blow to cyber-intrusion efforts, WhatsApp, the messaging service owned by Meta Platforms Inc., announced it has disrupted a hacking campaign linked to Israeli spyware vendor Paragon. The campaign, which targeted around 90 individuals—including journalists and civil society activists—occurred late last year and underscores growing concerns over the misuse of commercial spyware.

According to a WhatsApp spokesperson, the attackers invited their targets to join a WhatsApp group before sending them a malicious PDF file designed to breach the users’ mobile devices. Although it remains unclear whether any devices were compromised, WhatsApp confirmed that it promptly notified all potentially affected users and took steps to secure their communications.

“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions,” the spokesperson said. “WhatsApp will continue to protect peoples’ ability to communicate privately.”

Paragon, which specializes in technology that allows remote access to mobile phones—including encrypted messages on apps like WhatsApp and Signal—has positioned itself as a provider exclusively for law enforcement and intelligence agencies in democratic nations. However, the recent allegations by WhatsApp cast doubt on Paragon’s claims of operating with restraint. The controversy intensifies as Paragon was acquired in December 2024 by US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners in a deal valued at up to $900 million.

Digital rights advocates have criticized the spyware industry, noting that such technologies have repeatedly been exploited to target human rights defenders and independent media. “For some time Paragon has had the reputation of a ‘better’ spyware company not implicated in obvious abuses, but WhatsApp’s recent revelations suggest otherwise,” said Natalia Krapiva, senior tech-legal counsel at digital rights group Access Now. “This is not just a question of some bad apples. These types of abuses are a feature of the commercial spyware industry.”

This incident follows closely on the heels of WhatsApp’s legal battle with another notorious spyware firm, Israel’s NSO Group. Earlier this year, a US judge in the Northern District of California ruled in favor of WhatsApp in a lawsuit accusing NSO of targeting more than 1,400 users with its Pegasus tool, a decision that marked a significant legal victory against the controversial surveillance technology.

Representatives for Paragon and AE Industrial Partners have yet to respond to requests for comment regarding WhatsApp’s latest allegations.

As concerns about digital privacy and cybersecurity continue to grow, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tug-of-war between technology companies, governments, and the private surveillance industry. WhatsApp’s decisive action against the hacking attempts is seen as a critical step in safeguarding private communications, while also spotlighting the urgent need for stronger regulation and accountability in the commercial spyware market.

For now, users are urged to remain vigilant and update their security settings, while advocates call for international standards to curb the abuse of surveillance technologies.

Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com

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