Israeli spyware targets WhatsApp users: A growing concern

Saturday 01 February 2025 - 11:36

An official from WhatsApp has revealed that 90 users of the messaging platform, including journalists and civil society members, were targeted by Israeli spyware developed by Paragon Solutions. Following the cyber intrusion, WhatsApp issued a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon. The company has refrained from disclosing the identities of those affected but confirmed it is working with Citizen Lab, a Canadian cybersecurity watchdog.

While WhatsApp has not detailed how it traced the breach to Paragon, it has informed law enforcement and industry partners about the incident. The company reaffirmed its commitment to protecting user privacy and maintaining secure communication channels.

According to cybersecurity experts, the targeting of WhatsApp users underscores the growing threat of commercial spyware. Paragon, like other firms in the sector, claims its surveillance tools are designed to combat crime and enhance national security. However, spyware of this nature has been widely misused, with past incidents revealing its deployment against journalists, activists, and even government officials.

Paragon, co-founded by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, was recently acquired by a U.S. private equity firm for $900 million. The company presents itself as an ethical provider of intelligence tools, but privacy advocates warn that such spyware often facilitates abuse rather than protection.

Citizen Lab researcher John Scott-Railton emphasized that the widespread use of mercenary spyware continues to pose serious risks, while Natalia Krapiva of Access Now highlighted that these issues are systemic within the industry rather than isolated incidents.

Paragon has declined to comment on the allegations, and its new U.S. owners have yet to issue a response.