WhatsApp Targets Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon Solutions for Hacking Effort on Journalists and Activists

WhatsApp has taken action against Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions after discovering an effort to hack its platform, potentially affecting journalists, activists, and members of civil society. On Friday, a WhatsApp official confirmed that the company had sent a cease-and-desist letter to Paragon, calling out the malicious activity. WhatsApp emphasized its ongoing commitment to safeguarding users’ privacy.

The WhatsApp official revealed that the attack targeted approximately 90 users, although specifics regarding the individuals or their locations were not disclosed. The official confirmed that the affected users included members of civil society and media professionals, but refused to provide further details. WhatsApp has since disrupted the hacking attempt and referred the targeted individuals to Citizen Lab, a Canadian watchdog organization.

While the official did not elaborate on how WhatsApp identified Paragon as the hacker, the company did notify law enforcement and industry partners about the breach. Citizen Lab’s John Scott-Railton described the incident as a stark reminder of the growing problem of mercenary spyware, which continues to proliferate and be misused, especially against those working in media or human rights.

Paragon Spyware: A Growing Threat to Privacy

Paragon Solutions, known for selling high-end surveillance software to government clients, has a controversial track record of its spyware being used for political surveillance and to monitor individuals in sensitive sectors. While the company markets its tools as essential for national security and crime prevention, they have repeatedly been found on the devices of journalists, activists, and political opposition figures. This latest discovery adds to growing concerns about the unchecked spread of such technology.

Despite its public image as a responsible player in the industry, Paragon has faced scrutiny over its sales practices, particularly following the revelation that its spyware targeted individuals connected to journalistic work and civil society. Paragon was recently acquired by Florida-based investment group AE Industrial Partners, further fueling questions about the company’s future direction and its dealings with governments worldwide.

Spyware Industry Under Scrutiny

The spyware industry, in general, has been facing increasing scrutiny over the misuse of its products. Tools like Paragon’s spyware are pitched as essential for national security, but they often end up in the hands of those looking to infringe upon privacy and target journalists. Concerns are mounting about the lack of regulation in this industry, which enables such technologies to be used against innocent individuals and journalists who are simply doing their jobs.

Access Now’s Natalia Krapiva echoed these concerns, stating that Paragon Solutions was previously considered one of the more ethical players in the spyware field. However, WhatsApp’s revelation casts doubt on this reputation. Krapiva warned that these abuses are not just isolated incidents but inherent in the commercial spyware industry.

The increasing number of instances of spyware misuse has sparked broader debates about privacy rights, the need for regulation in the surveillance technology space, and the balance between national security and individual rights. WhatsApp’s recent action serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of personal and professional communications in the digital age.