WhatsApp has warned users about a highly advanced hacking attack that infected nearly 90 people across 24 countries. Unlike traditional cyberattacks that rely on tricking victims into clicking malicious links, this attack used zero-click spyware, meaning the targets were hacked without taking any action.
What Happened?
Hackers exploited a security vulnerability in WhatsApp to send malicious documents to the victims’ devices. These documents contained spyware that could take control of the phone without the user clicking or opening anything.
According to reports, the attack was linked to Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company that develops spyware for government agencies. While governments claim such tools help in law enforcement and national security, they have also been misused to spy on journalists, activists, and members of civil society.
Who Was Targeted?
The specific names of the victims have not been disclosed, but reports confirm that journalists and human rights advocates were among those affected. Many of them were based in European nations, but the attack spread across multiple regions.
WhatsApp acted quickly to disrupt the attack and alerted the affected users. It also referred them to Citizen Lab, a cybersecurity research group that investigates digital threats.
This article has been indexed from CySecurity News – Latest Information Security and Hacking Incidents