Budget with ET
Tax calculator
Paragon Solutions' spyware is a particularly concerning piece of technology, as it operates using a «zero-click» hack. This means that victims do not need to click on any malicious links or attachments for their devices to be compromised. Once infected, the spyware has full access to the phone, including encrypted messages, highlighting the severity of the attack.
WhatsApp confirmed that approximately 90 users were affected by this hack, though the company has not disclosed the identities of those targeted. The victims were sent malicious electronic documents that required no interaction to infiltrate their devices, a stark reminder of how stealthy and invasive this type of spyware can be.
The attack was initially detected in December, and WhatsApp has since been working to notify the affected users. While the company has not revealed the exact methods it used to trace the hack back to Paragon Solutions, it has confirmed that law enforcement and industry partners are involved in the ongoing investigation.
A WhatsApp spokesperson told Reuters, “We are continuing to protect people’s ability to communicate privately” and emphasized that a cease-and-desist letter had been sent to Paragon Solutions.
Researchers like John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab have expressed concern over the proliferation of such spyware, calling it a «reminder that mercenary spyware continues to proliferate» and noting the recurring patterns of