WhatsApp Stopped Israeli Spyware Attacks on Journalists

WhatsApp ended a sophisticated spying operation that impacted over 90 journalists and civil society activists. The Israeli corporation Paragon Solutions was behind the hack, which the chat messaging service responded to quickly.

WhatsApp executives told The Guardian they had contacted the victims and have “high confidence” that they were targeted and may have had their devices hijacked. WhatsApp issued Paragon Solutions a cease-and-desist notice and is exploring legal action in addition to informing impacted users.

Reuters reports that Paragon Solutions, a “ethical” cyber protection company, competes with the infamous NSO Group. Its ownership and clientele have changed significantly.

After being acquired by Florida-based AE Industrial Partners last year, Paragon won a major federal contract. In September 2024, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement awarded the firm $2 million.

WhatsApp sued NSO Group in 2019 for a huge monitoring campaign that compromised 1,400 users, including government officials, activists, and journalists. NSO Group lost the lawsuit, setting a legal precedent.