WhatsApp has uncovered a stealthy spyware attack attributed to Israeli firm Paragon, targeting nearly 100 users worldwide, including journalists and civil society members. This zero-click attack required no user interaction, making it particularly dangerous as it could infiltrate devices without victims clicking on links or downloading attachments.
A WhatsApp spokesperson confirmed that the company successfully identified and blocked the exploit, directly notifying those affected. The investigation, supported by cybersecurity research group Citizen Lab, revealed that the spyware could extract private messages, access call logs, view photos, and even activate the device’s microphone and camera remotely.
John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, highlighted the broader risks associated with such surveillance tools. He stressed the need for greater accountability within the spyware industry, warning that unchecked surveillance capabilities pose serious threats to personal privacy and digital security.
Italian media outlet Fanpage.io first reported the breach, revealing that its director, Francesco Cancellato, was among the targeted individuals. WhatsApp informed him that malicious software might have compromised his device, potentially granting unauthorized access to sensitive data. In response, Cancellato and a team of independent analysts are examining the extent of the breach and working to determine who orchestrated the espionage.
Paragon, which has positioned itself as a more ethical alternative to cont
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