WhatsApp warns for users! Zero-click spyware target in two dozen countries; Italy confirms 7 cases. Mint

WhatsApp users in more than two dozen countries have been affected by a sophisticated spyware attack, with at least seven confirmed cases in Italy, motivated the government to initiate an investigation. Spyware associated with Israeli monitoring company paragon solutions was used to use journalists, activists and members of civil society to use “zero-clicks” hacks that do not require any user interactions.

User affected in Italy

WhatsApp’s original company Meta platforms alerted the Italian National Cyber ​​Security Agency, as the report was reported that spyware was used against several individuals in Italy.

Among the affected people were Luka Casserini, a famous migrant rescue worker and co-founder of the Mediterranean Savings Human, and a investigative journalist Francesco Cancelato. Casserini shared a WhatsApp alert that he got from a messaging service, informing him that his device was compromised. The alert matched with the announcement of Meta that paragon solutions had targeted around 90 users in more than two dozen countries.

In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Georgia Meloni condemned the incident, called it “especially serious”, and confirmed that the National Cyber ​​Security Agency was investigating the matter. While Meloni’s office denied any participation in hacking attempts, it refrained to name the victims citing the concerns of privacy. Spieware, which has been found in many European Union countries including Belgium, Spain and Greece, is believed to have been used for monitoring globally.

What is a ‘zero-click’ spyware?

WhatsApp revealed that Paragon Solutions, which claims that it is a US-based company, used a high advanced technology to take advantage of vulnerability in its platform. The “zero-click” nature of spyware means that it can infiltrate a tool without any action from the target, making it difficult to detect especially. Meta issued a conflict-letter for paragon solutions, demanding that the company stop its operations by targeting WhatsApp users.

Spieware was part of a comprehensive surveillance attempt, including paragon, a company that is linked to selling spyware tools to government customers under the guise of first crime and national security protection. However, the use of such devices against journalists, workers and other figures of civil society enhances serious moral concerns.

Kesarini, who has faced criticism of migrant groups in Italy for her humanitarian work, expressed her shock and anger over infiltration, called it “violation of democracy”. Journalist, cancelato said that he was also “surprised” by violation, but until his newspaper did not investigate, vowed to reserve the decision on who was behind the hack.

The Canadian-based Watchdog Group, Citizen Lab, is referred to as part of the WhatsApp response, and the company vowes to continue its efforts to protect the privacy of its users. Researchers have warned that the spread of commercial spyware is becoming an increasing threat to privacy and freedom of speaking, especially working without adequate inspection as mercenaries such as paragon solutions.

(With input from Reuters)