WhatsApp Stopped an Israeli Company’s Spyware Campaign Against Journalists

WhatsApp recently stopped a sophisticated surveillance operation that affected over 90 individuals, primarily journalists and civil society activists. The chat messaging app took swift action after discovering the attack, which was traced back to Israeli firm Paragon Solutions.

Speaking to The Guardian, WhatsApp officials confirmed they have already contacted the victims, expressing “high confidence” that these users were not only targeted but may have had their devices compromised. Other than alerting the affected users, WhatsApp has issued Paragon Solutions a cease-and-desist order and is considering additional legal actions.

Paragon Solutions markets itself as an “ethical” cyber defense operation and stands as a direct competitor to the notorious NSO Group according to Reuters. It has recently undergone significant changes in ownership and client relationships.

Last year’s acquisition by Florida-based AE Industrial Partners marked a new chapter for Paragon, followed by a substantial government contract. The company secured a $2 million deal with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in September 2024.

The current situation draws parallels to a previous legal battle in 2019 when WhatsApp took NSO Group to court over a massive surveillance campaign that compromised 1,400 users, including government officials, activists, and journalists. That case concluded with a ruling against NSO Group, establishing a significant legal precedent.