WhatsApp said in a recent cybersecurity revelation that malware created by the Israeli business Paragon Solutions targeted around 100 users, including journalists and representatives of civic society. Indian consumers were not impacted by this hack, according to a news story from The Hindustan Times. WhatsApp stressed that the hack did not affect its user base in India.
According to WhatsApp, the advanced malware, called Graphite, most likely used a “zero-click” technique to corrupt its targets’ smartphones without any activity on their part. This implies that people were infected without ever clicking on a malicious link. WhatsApp was unable to pinpoint the precise attackers, despite the fact that the malware is thought to be utilized by government clients.
The messaging app said it had “high confidence” that 90 of its users—mostly journalists and civil society members—had been singled out by the malware, according to media report. These people were contacted by WhatsApp to inform them of the possible compromise of their devices.
US spyware scrutiny and Paragon’s recent contracts
Recent rumors of a $2 million contract Paragon Solutions obtained with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have raised concerns about the corporation. The Biden administration’s 2023 executive order, which limits the use of spyware by federal agencies because of national security concerns, has been examined to make sure this contract conforms with it.
Concerns over the extensive usage of spyware by government clients have been heightened by the continuous scrutiny around Paragon Solutions’ contracts with US government agencies. The company maintains a US office in Chantilly, Virginia.
WhatsApp takes legal action against Paragon
In response, WhatsApp sent Paragon Solutions a “cease and desist” letter requesting that the business quit utilizing its spyware for illegal spying.
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