WhatsApp said that some users were “perhaps compromised” by spy software, . The meta-appeared meta-appear messaging application alleys that nearly 100 journalists and activists were targeted in the attack. In addition, the platform indicates that it has a “great confidence” that the spy software in graphite came from Paragon Solutions, a company founded in Israel recently acquired by an American investment company.
Piracy experts allege that it was a “zero click” attack, which means that targeted users would not have had to click on a harmful link to be infected. This is a method similar to another large -scale Whatsapp hack, in which spy software called pegasus. Once a device is infected with something like Pegasus or Graphite, the spy software operator has total access. This even includes the possibility of reading messages sent via encrypted applications such as WhatsApp and Signal.
WhatsApp says he informed the hundred users of the potential attack, but refused to disclose where they are based and who they are. He said that it had disrupted the alleged attacks in December, although it was not clear how long the targets may have been threatened.
“This is the last example of the reason why spy software companies must be held responsible for their illegal actions. WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate in private, “said a company spokesperson. WhatsApp sent Paragon a letter “stop and abstain” and says that he explores legal options.
As for Paragon, it is recently With the American Department of Immigration and Customs (ICE). that the one -year paragon task contract with the supply of a “fully configured proprietary solution, including license, equipment, guarantee, maintenance and training”. The company has not yet responded to the allegations of WhatsApp.
This article originally appeared on engadget to
