WhatsApp Warns Users of Stealthy Hacking Attack Targeting Nearly 90 Individuals

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WhatsApp has alerted users about a concerning zero-click hacking incident that targeted approximately 90 individuals across more than two dozen countries. According to the platform, the victims included journalists and civil society members who were compromised by spyware developed by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company known for its hacking tools.

The zero-click hack allows attackers to infiltrate devices without requiring any interaction from the victims, making it particularly dangerous and stealthy. A WhatsApp official stated that malicious electronic documents were sent to the targets, facilitating the breaches without their knowledge. The company has since disrupted the hacking operation and has referred affected users to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog organization.

Experts warn that such incidents underscore the growing prevalence of spyware and the ease with which malicious actors can exploit vulnerabilities. John Scott-Railton, a researcher at Citizen Lab, emphasized the ongoing proliferation of mercenary spyware, highlighting a pattern of misuse among targeted groups.

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