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Panels Corporation User Facebook WhatsApp reported shutting down a hacking operation perpetrated by Paragon which they identified on Friday.
A statement to Bloomberg News informed about how WhatsApp uncovered a cell-targeting attack involving almost 90 journalists along with civil society members that occurred toward the end of last year.
How the Hack Was Executed
Before sending targets the breach file through WhatsApp hackers required them to enter an exclusive group. Commentators do not know the exact place where individuals were targeted during these attacks along with information about their success rate.
All customers who faced impact from the incident received notification from WhatsApp together with the company's condemnation of the event which also emphasized the requirement for better accountability from spyware firms.
WhatsApp Calls for Action Against Spyware Firms
A WhatsApp spokesperson stated that this incident represents another example which shows why spyware companies need to face legal responsibility for their unlawful conduct. WhatsApp has dedicated itself to maintaining private communication capabilities for all users.
The controversial computer tool called spyware enables remote device access which happens without victims being aware. Governments throughout the world utilize spyware to track right activists along with journalists and critics through invasive procedures.
NSO Group from Israel has received US sanctions in 2021 following its deployment of the Pegasus hacking tool.
Paragon's Role and Recent Acquisition
The technological system developed by Paragon gives intelligence agencies alongside police departments inconspicuous means to monitor encrypted WhatsApp and Signal app communications in mobile devices.
The purchase of the company occurred when US private equity firm AE Industrial Partners acquired it during December 2023 for an estimated $900 million.
The executives from Paragon and AE Industrial Partners did not reply to WhatsApp's statements.
Criticism of the Commercial Spyware Industry
The spyware provider Paragon declares that it supplies its technology to democratic governments which then use it against serious offenders.
Multiple digital rights advocates demonstrate their doubts about this situation.
Natalia Krapiva from Access Now emphasized the questionable nature of Paragon's spyware reputation after WhatsApp's latest disclosure where “For some time, Paragon has had the reputation of a ‘better’ spyware company not implicated in obvious abuses, but WhatsApp’s revelations suggest otherwise,” she said.
According to her statement abuse cases happen commonly throughout the commercial spyware business model.
WhatsApp engages in continuous legal battles with spyware companies throughout the world.
During past years WhatsApp took legal steps to challenge spyware software companies. In 2019 WhatsApp sued NSO Group because the company targeted over 1,400 users through the WhatsApp platform.
On December 2023 a US Northern District of California judge supported WhatsApp by ruling against NSO Group for hacking activities and contract violations.
The recent incident involving Paragon has prompted WhatsApp to renew its focus on raising worldwide user security standards against spyware threats.
