WhatsApp, which operates under the roof of Meta, revealed a new spy software attack that threatens the safety of its users. According to a statement, approximately 100 journalists and human rights activists were targeted with a spy software called “Graphite ile developed by an Israeli -based company called Paragon Solutions. It is noteworthy that this software comes into play, especially at a time when privacy and security concerns increased. WhatsApp officials say that these users’ devices were seized at high probability ”. However, the dimensions of the event have not yet been fully clarified.
Cyber security experts say that this attack was carried out by “zero click” method. In such attacks, spyware can be installed on the devices of the targeted users without clicking on any connection. In the past Pegasus The spyware was influenced by thousands of devices in the same way. After leaked to the device, the attackers provide access to all data. The information sent through messages, guides, even encrypted applications can be seized by these software.
WhatsApp announced that it prevented attacks
WhatsApp announced that he had noticed the attacks in December 2024 and informed the targeted persons. However, no information about who these people were or in which countries were found. WhatsApp sent an official “stop and abandonment” declaration to the Paragon Solutions on attacks. In addition, the company announced that it has begun to evaluate the legal options. Paragon continues to silence about the allegations.
In addition, the Paragon Solutions made a $ 2 million agreement with immigration and customs officials in the United States. According to information transferred by Wired, this agreement includes the company’s software to the US immigration and customs conservation unit (ICE). The company will be obliged to provide system support, maintenance and training services for a year. This opened to discussion the ethical dimensions of the company’s commercial partnerships.
These developments in cyber security and spy software issues have been brought to the agenda with similar events Pegasus reminds me of the case. Developed by Israel -based NSO Group PegasusIn 2019, he targeted journalists and civil society employees worldwide. WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO Group at that time and made a decision from the US courts that the company had illegal activities. However, the commercial spy software industry continues to grow.
All these developments point out how vulnerable the concepts of security and confidentiality are in the digital age. WhatsApp said it would increase its measures against such attacks and that its users will continue to commit to protecting their special communication. On the other hand, spy software developing companies continue to offer various solutions for governments and private companies using security deficits. On the other hand, the inadequacy of international regulations increases the risk of repeating such attacks.
Although companies such as Paragon Solutions claim to develop these technologies only to combat crime, non -governmental organizations and activists do not find these explanations sufficient. In particular, the concern that authoritarian regimes can use such technologies to put oppression of opponents is increasing. For this reason, more stringent inspections and legal sanctions are requested at international level.
As a result, this attack by WhatsApp has increased the awareness of digital security. Users will have to be more careful to ensure the safety of personal information. Companies are aware that they have to take stronger measures against such threats both technological and legally.