Around 90 individuals across 24 countries were allegedly targeted by hackers using spyware, WhatsApp reported. The victims included journalists and civil society members, who were attacked using a hacking tool developed by Israeli firm Paragon Solutions, known for its expertise in hacking software.
Paragon’s spyware is marketed to government clients, who claim to use it for crime prevention and national security. WhatsApp confirmed that the targeted users’ devices may have been compromised. A WhatsApp official told Reuters that around 90 users were targeted in the hacking attempt.
Zero-Click Hack: A Stealthy Cyber Threat
Paragon’s spyware employs a “zero-click” hack, meaning victims were infected without needing to click on any malicious links. Experts warn that such attacks allow hackers to access devices without any interaction from the user, making them especially dangerous.
A WhatsApp official told Reuters that the targeted users received malicious electronic documents that compromised their devices without requiring any action—a method considered highly stealthy and difficult to detect.
Hackers Target Journalists and Civil Society Members
While WhatsApp officials did not disclose specific individuals targeted, they confirmed that the attack spanned over two dozen countries, including locations in Europe, Reuters reported. However, *The Guardian* revealed that the primary targets were journalists and members of civil society, raising concerns over the misuse of spyware against press freedom and activism.
WhatsApp Disrupts Hacking Attempt, Refers Victims to Citizen Lab
WhatsApp confirmed that it had successfully disrupted the hacking operation and was directing affected users to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog group. However, the company did not disclose how it linked the attack to Paragon. While law enforcement and industry partners were notified, further details were not provided. The FBI has yet to respond to requests for comment.
Citizen Lab Warns of Growing Spyware Threat
Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton highlighted the risks posed by mercenary spyware, stating that the discovery of Paragon’s spyware targeting WhatsApp users serves as a reminder of its growing presence. “As it proliferates, we continue to see familiar patterns of problematic use,” he warned.