Meta’s WhatsApp has uncovered a sophisticated hacking operation linked to the Israeli spyware company, Paragon Solutions. According to WhatsApp officials, the breach targeted around 90 users across more than two dozen countries, including journalists and civil society members.
The alarming discovery has raised fresh concerns about the growing misuse of commercial spyware in global surveillance activities.
How the Attack Happened
The hacking operation involved a stealthy technique known as a “zero-click” exploit. This method allows spyware to infiltrate devices without any interaction from the victim, making it exceptionally dangerous and hard to detect. In this case, malicious electronic documents were sent to WhatsApp users, silently compromising their devices once received.
WhatsApp officials reported that the attack has been disrupted, and they’ve issued a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon Solutions. They’ve also referred affected users to Citizen Lab, a renowned Canadian internet watchdog, for further investigation and support.
Who Was Targeted?
While WhatsApp declined to reveal the identities of the targeted individuals, it confirmed that the victims are spread across Europe and other regions. The victims include journalists, human rights activists, and members of civil society—groups often vulnerable to surveillance due to their critical roles in exposing corruption and holding power to account.
This breach highlights an ongoing issue: spyware designed for government use often ends up being misused, putting innocent people at risk.
Paragon Solutions: A “Responsible” Spyware Company?
Paragon Solutions has often positioned itself as an “ethical” player in the surveillance industry. The company claims to sell its spyware only to governments in stable, democratic nations, supposedly to combat crime and national security threats.
However, recent revelations tell a different story. Natalia Krapiva, a senior tech-legal counsel at the advocacy group Access Now, criticized Paragon’s reputation, stating, “Paragon had the reputation of being a better spyware company, but WhatsApp’s recent revelations suggest otherwise.” She emphasized that these abuses are not isolated incidents but rather a systemic problem within the commercial spyware industry.
Global Concerns Over Commercial Spyware
This incident is not the first time commercial spyware has been linked to controversial surveillance activities. Similar tools have previously been found on the devices of opposition politicians, activists, journalists, and even U.S. government officials. The unchecked spread of these technologies raises serious questions about privacy, security, and human rights in the digital age.
Despite Paragon’s claims of ethical practices, the evidence suggests a troubling pattern—spyware designed for legitimate security purposes is being used to target individuals who pose no real threat to national security.
