• About
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
Thursday, June 26, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
Tech | Business | Economy
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • StartUPs
      • Chidiverse
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
    • Appointment
  • TECHECONOMY TV
  • Apply
  • TBS
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • Chidiverse
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • StartUPs
      • Chidiverse
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
    • Appointment
  • TECHECONOMY TV
  • Apply
  • TBS
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • Chidiverse
No Result
View All Result
Tech | Business | Economy
No Result
View All Result
Home News

WhatsApp Blocks Spyware Attack Targeting Journalists, Civil Society Members

The attack, traced to Israeli spyware firm Paragon, was carried out using malicious PDF files sent via WhatsApp groups

by Joan Aimuengheuwa
January 31, 2025
in News
0
WhatsApp Blocks Spyware Attack Targeting Journalists, Civil Society Members
Source: Getty Images

Source: Getty Images

UBA
Advertisements

WhatsApp has thwarted a hacking attempt that targeted around 90 users, including journalists and members of civil society. 

The attack, traced to Israeli spyware firm Paragon, was carried out using malicious PDF files sent via WhatsApp groups.

A spokesperson for WhatsApp confirmed that affected users had been notified and that measures had been taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“We’ve reached out directly to people who we believe were affected. This is the latest example of why spyware companies must be held accountable for their unlawful actions. WhatsApp will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately,” said Zade Alsawah, a spokesperson for the messaging platform.

Paragon, which was acquired by American private equity firm AE Industrial in December, has not commented on the allegations. WhatsApp stated that the attack took place in December and that a cease-and-desist letter had been sent to Paragon in response.

John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab, confirmed that his team had been investigating the hacking campaign. He noted that Paragon’s spyware had used the specific attack method identified by WhatsApp.

This is the first time Paragon has been publicly linked to a cyberattack of this nature. Unlike other spyware firms such as Intellexa and NSO Group—both of which have faced sanctions and legal scrutiny—Paragon has largely remained out of the spotlight. However, the recent revelations challenge its reputation as a more restrained player in the industry.

“For some time, Paragon has had the reputation of a ‘better’ spyware company not implicated in obvious abuses, but WhatsApp’s recent revelations suggest otherwise,” said Natalia Krapiva, senior tech-legal counsel at Access Now. “This is not just a question of some bad apples—these types of abuses are a feature of the commercial spyware industry.”

The full extent of the attack is not yet known, and the identities of those targeted have not been disclosed. WhatsApp has reported the incident to law enforcement and industry partners while monitoring and countering spyware threats on its platform.

Loading

Advertisements
MTN ADS

0Shares
Tags: Civil Society MembersIsraeli spyware firmIsraeli spyware firm ParagonJohn Scott-RailtonJournalistsNatalia KrapivaParagonSpyware AttackWhatsappWhatsApp GroupsZade Alsawah
Joan Aimuengheuwa

Joan Aimuengheuwa

Joan thrives at helping individuals and businesses scale via storytelling...

Next Post
Jaap Scholten, Datacentrix on Intelligent Connectivity

Intelligent Connectivity Critical to Boost Competitive Vitality, Organisational Adaptability

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Recommended

TD Africa and Vivo

TD Africa, Vivo thrill Over 100 Partners with Qatar 2022 World Cup final Viewing Party

2 years ago
KongaPay | ISO Certifications

KongaPay Raises the Bar with Three ISO Certifications

2 months ago

Popular News

    Connect with us

    • About
    • Advertise
    • Careers
    • Contact Us

    © 2025 TECHECONOMY.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • News
    • Tech
      • DisruptiveTECH
      • ConsumerTech
      • How To
      • TechTAINMENT
    • Business
      • Telecoms
      • Mobility
      • Environment
      • Travel
      • StartUPs
        • Chidiverse
      • TE Insights
      • Security
    • Partners
    • Economy
      • Finance
      • Fintech
      • Digital Assets
      • Personal Finance
      • Insurance
    • Features
      • IndustryINFLUENCERS
      • Guest Writer
      • EventDIARY
      • Editorial
      • Appointment
    • TECHECONOMY TV
    • Apply
    • TBS
    • BusinesSENSE For SMEs

    © 2025 TECHECONOMY.

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In
    Translate »
    This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.