WhatsApp has revealed that nearly 100 individuals across more than two dozen countries have fallen victim to a sophisticated hacking tool, developed by Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions. This spyware allowed hackers to access the target system's information without needing any clicks from the victim. It has currently breached the privacy of various individuals, including journalists and members of civil society.
WhatsApp’s ‘zero-click’ hack: Here’s how it exposes user’s data
A ‘zero-click’ hack is a type of spyware or cyberattack where a hacker can gain access to users’ devices without any third-party installation or external links. Experts state that a ‘zero-click’ attack allows hackers to access a target's device without any interaction from the victim and it is processed by the operating system or apps on the device, which is accessed by hackers through a remote server.
According to Reuters, WhatsApp has confirmed that nearly 90 users across more than 24 countries have been targeted by hackers using this advanced ‘zero-click’ spyware developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions. However, the popular messaging app has reassured its users that it has successfully disrupted the attack and remains focused on user privacy.
Further, to help prevent these kinds of breaches, the company has urged its users to regularly update the app and enable automatic updates for security patches. A WhatsApp spokesperson told Reuters, “We are continuing to protect people’s ability to communicate privately.” The company has stressed that a cease-and-desist letter has also been sent to Paragon Solutions to stop such attacks in the future.
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