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Meta's WhatsApp says Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted scores of users

Economic Times

Economic Times · 5m ago

Meta's WhatsApp says Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted scores of users

Meta's WhatsApp reported that the Israeli spyware company Paragon targeted numerous users, including journalists and civil society members, prompting WhatsApp to send Paragon a cease-and-desist letter. WhatsApp emphasized its commitment to safeguarding users' privacy and the ability to communicate privately.

Related News

Can an ‘ethical’ spyware maker justify providing its tech to ICE? | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 13d ago

Can an ‘ethical’ spyware maker justify providing its tech to ICE? | TechCrunch

Paragon, an Israeli spyware company, known for its claim to be an "ethical" vendor, is scrutinized for its potential contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The $2 million contract, paused due to a review under a Biden-era executive order concerning commercial spyware, remains undecided. This raises ethical dilemmas for Paragon, especially after its prior decision to cut ties with Italy for misusing its products. Paragon's future decisions could significantly impact its reputation and operations.

Weekly Tech Recap: DeepSeek shakes up AI world, OpenAI rolls out o3-Mini, WhatsApp thwarts Paragon attack and more | Mint

Livemint

Livemint · 5m ago

Weekly Tech Recap: DeepSeek shakes up AI world, OpenAI rolls out o3-Mini, WhatsApp thwarts Paragon attack and more | Mint

This week's tech updates highlight DeepSeek's surge as a dominant AI app, overshadowing ChatGPT, and challenging the belief that China's AI is lagging. Priced competitively, DeepSeek's models question the high-cost paradigm of AI development. Meanwhile, WhatsApp thwarted a hacking campaign by Israeli spyware company, Paragon. India reduced customs duties on mobile manufacturing parts, boosting local efforts. OpenAI released the o3-Mini reasoning model amidst growing AI competition, while Apple plans to bring Apple Intelligence to India in April.

Italian lawmakers seek answers from government on spyware scandal - The Economic Times

Economic Times

Economic Times · 20d ago

Italian lawmakers seek answers from government on spyware scandal - The Economic Times

Italian lawmakers are questioning the government amid allegations of illegally spying on journalists using Paragon spyware. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration denies these accusations. The COPASIR parliamentary security committee seeks clarification from Cabinet Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano. A report indicated that the government used Paragon technology, with prosecutor approval, targeting select individuals, but found no evidence against some journalists. Following media backlash, spyware contracts with Paragon were terminated, with conflicting narratives on who initiated the termination.

Eight things we learned from WhatsApp vs. NSO Group spyware lawsuit | TechCrunch

TechCrunch · 1m ago

Eight things we learned from WhatsApp vs. NSO Group spyware lawsuit | TechCrunch

A legal battle between WhatsApp and NSO Group concluded with a jury ordering NSO to pay $167 million in damages. The case began in 2019 when WhatsApp accused NSO of exploiting a vulnerability to hack over 1,400 users. During the trial, several revelations emerged, including NSO’s continued targeting of WhatsApp users after the lawsuit, its testing of spyware on a U.S. number, and financial struggles. The case highlighted the high costs of advanced spyware like Pegasus.

Opposition leaders claim they got alert from Apple about 'state-sponsored attacks' on their phones

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Opposition leaders claim they got alert from Apple about 'state-sponsored attacks' on their phones

Apple India sent warning notifications to several iPhone users, including opposition political leaders like Mohua Moitra, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Akhilesh Yadav, and Pawan Khera, alerting them to possible state-sponsored attack attempts aimed at remotely compromising their devices. These individuals were targeted because of their roles. Apple explained how state-sponsored attacks are hard to detect and prevent due to the significant resources applied to target specific individuals. This is the second time Apple has issued such warnings, with the previous instance involving the Pegasus spyware manufactured by the Israeli company NSO.

Government spyware is another reason to use an ad blocker

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Government spyware is another reason to use an ad blocker

Spyware makers are utilizing online ads to infect specific targets with spyware for governments to conduct surveillance. Israeli company Intellexa developed a proof-of-concept system called Aladdin, capable of planting spyware through online ads by targeting specific individuals. Another Israeli company, Insanet, developed an ad-based infection system to locate individuals within an advertising network. Ad blockers can be an effective defense against malvertising and ad-based malware, preventing the loading of ads and protecting privacy. Security experts and the FBI recommend using ad blockers for online safety.

Spyware can infect your phone or computer via the ads you see online: report

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Spyware can infect your phone or computer via the ads you see online: report

According to an investigative report, an Israeli technology company called Insanet has developed spyware called Sherlock that can be delivered via online ad networks. This spyware can secretly install itself on a target's phone or computer when they view a web page with a spyware-laden ad. The spyware can infect Windows-based computers and Android phones as well as iPhones. The Israeli government has approved Insanet to sell this technology, raising concerns about widespread surveillance. However, Sherlock is expensive to use, with a single infection costing around $6.4 million.

Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary attacks in new warning

TechCrunch · 1y ago

Apple alerts users in 92 nations to mercenary attacks in new warning

Apple has sent threat notifications to iPhone users in 92 countries, warning them about potential targeted mercenary spyware attacks. The company did not disclose the identities of the attackers or the specific countries affected. Apple regularly sends such notifications and has done so to users in over 150 countries since 2021. The company describes these attacks as "mercenary spyware attacks" and states that they are exceptionally rare and sophisticated. Apple relies on internal investigations and threat intelligence to detect and issue these notifications.

Exclusive: Apple warns users of "mercenary spyware" attack; India, 91 other countries impacted

Economic Times

Economic Times · 1y ago

Exclusive: Apple warns users of "mercenary spyware" attack; India, 91 other countries impacted

Apple is expected to notify users in India and 91 other countries that they were targets of a "mercenary spyware" attack. The attack, which used the sophisticated Pegasus spyware from NSO Group, aimed to gain unauthorized access to users' devices. Apple's threat notification warns users they are being targeted specifically and advises them to take the alert seriously. The company has updated its support page to provide tips for users who may have been targets. This is the second round of threat notifications, with the previous one in 2023 warning of a "state-sponsored" attack.

Apple warns users of "mercenary spyware" attack in India and 91 countries, ET reports

Reuters · 1y ago

Apple warns users of "mercenary spyware" attack in India and 91 countries, ET reports

Apple is reportedly planning to notify its users in India and 91 other countries that they may have been targeted by a "mercenary spyware" attack. The attack aimed to unlawfully access users' devices. Apple's actions follow a report by the Economic Times, citing unnamed sources. The company is expected to provide information to users about the potential attack and steps to protect their devices.

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