Sentinel Digital Desk
Nearly 90 people across two dozen countries were reportedly targeted by hackers using spyware, according to WhatsApp. Victims included journalists and civil society members.
The hacking tool used in the attack belongs to Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company specializing in spyware. Governments buy this software, claiming it is for crime prevention and national security.
The spyware used a "zero-click" hack, meaning victims didn’t need to click any links to be infected. Hackers sent malicious electronic documents that compromised devices without any user interaction.
WhatsApp officials confirmed that people in more than two dozen countries were affected. Reports suggest that several victims were based in Europe, but their identities remain undisclosed.
WhatsApp has since disrupted the hacking operation and referred victims to Citizen Lab, a Canadian internet watchdog group. Law enforcement agencies have been informed.