WhatsApp disrupts spyware campaign targeting journalists

WhatsApp has disrupted a spyware campaign last month that targeted journalists and civil society members, the company announced on Friday. The campaign originated from an Israeli spyware company called Paragon Solutions and impacted around 90 users.

In a statement to The Guardian, WhatsApp says it has reached out to affected users, saying it had “high confidence” that they were targeted and “possibly compromised.” The Meta-owned app also sent a cease-and-desist order to Paragon and is “exploring its legal options,” The Guardian reports.

Paragon, which Reuters called a competitor to Pegasus maker NSO Group, bills itself as an “ethical” cyber defense company. It was acquired by the Florida-based private investment firm AE Industrial Partners last year, while a recent report from Wired revealed that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement signed a $2 million contract with Paragon in September 2024.

WhatsApp sued NSO Group in 2019 for targeting 1,400 users, including journalists, activists, and government officials. The spyware company has since been found liable.

“This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions,” WhatsApp spokesperson Zade Alsawah said in a statement to The Verge. “WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.”

Update, January 31st: Added information from WhatsApp.