Meta Accuses Pegasus Maker NSO Of Targeting WhatsApp Users To Hack Their Devices

Mark

Zuckerberg's Meta has accused the Israeli spyware company NSO Group of targeting WhatsApp users. The American tech giant claims that WhatsApp has detected and blocked new phishing attacks linked to NSO, and these attacks were designed to trick users into clicking harmful links that could easily compromise the users' devices, as per Reuters. Meta is urging a US federal court to take action against the NSO Group and has highlighted how it has violated a previous court order.

Here’s What Happened

As per Meta, WhatsApp has reportedly uncovered a fresh campaign that was connected to NSO Group. The company now claims that the spyware firm has used accounts and groups on the messaging platform as part of an effort to target users.Moreover, the American firm has now reportedly filed a contempt motion in court, stressing that NSO has ignored a permanent order that blocked it from targeting WhatsApp and its users in the future.

How Did The Attacks Take Place?

Reportedly, Meta revealed that the latest activity resembled previous “one-click” phishing campaigns. These attacks can easily target how a user only requires clicking on malicious links for hackers to get access to their account or devices.Notably, the company has also added the links, directing users to external websites that may potentially be used to install spyware and carry out other major cyberattacks. The tech firm notes that it has taken down various test accounts and groups that were allegedly used by NSO as part of the hacking attempts.For those who are not aware, the feud between NSO and Meta has been ongoing for years now. Last year, a US court ordered NSO to stop targeting WhatsApp users. This case suggests how rising data is the new oil which drives the world now. Compromising data means losses for individuals and businesses. The major concerns arise related to privacy, which should not be a myth.