WhatsApp Cracks Down on Spyware Attacks Linked to NSO Group

Meta-owned messaging giant WhatsApp has taken swift action against a new hacking campaign linked to the controversial spyware company NSO Group. The tech-savvy app announced that it disrupted a series of spear-phishing attempts orchestrated by NSO, accusing the firm of violating a previous court order.

The Latest in a Long History

According to WhatsApp, NSO tried to trick users into clicking on malicious links leading to external websites. In addition, the company created test accounts and groups, which were promptly removed by the messaging app. The attacks bear resemblance to previous campaigns that relied on similar tactics, such as those seen in Jordan in 2024.

NSO’s Pegasus Spyware

The latest campaign involved an attempt to infect targets with NSO’s notorious spyware, Pegasus. In a statement, WhatsApp highlighted the dangers of this technology, emphasizing that it can compromise users' privacy and security. The company stated, “They tried to trick people into clicking on malicious links to drive them to external websites outside of WhatsApp.”

Legal Action Against NSO Group

In response to these violations, WhatsApp filed a contempt order against NSO. This move comes as part of an ongoing legal battle between the messaging app and NSO, initiated in 2019 when a court ordered the spyware maker to cease targeting WhatsApp users.

A Troubling History

NSO has long been implicated in numerous cases where its spyware was used to target journalists, dissidents, human rights workers, and political opponents. Over the years, tech companies have responded by publicizing hacking campaigns, notifying victims, and developing enhanced security features.

The Broader Context

Meanwhile, the U.S. government has also taken action against NSO, placing it on a blocklist and imposing sanctions on related entities like Intellexa. Last year, a group of U.S. investors purchased NSO with hopes of rehabilitating its reputation and lobbying for an end to governmental restrictions.

Continued Pressure

Despite these efforts, NSO continues to seek entry into the American market, facing ongoing scrutiny from both tech companies and government entities.