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The alarming “zero-click” hack requires no user action, allowing phones to be compromised without clicking on any link. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta has confirmed that the messaging platform was targeted by hackers
Among those who were targeted were migrant rescue activist Luca Casarini, and investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato. (Representative/AP File)
Millions of WhatsApp users across at least 24 countries are potentially at risk from espionage due to a spyware attack. At least seven cases have been confirmed in Italy alone.
According to a report, spyware linked to the Israeli surveillance company Paragon Solutions was used to target journalists, activists, and members of civil society. The most alarming aspect is the use of “zero-click” hacking, which does not require any user interaction. This means that a phone can be hacked without the user clicking on any link.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has confirmed that the messaging platform was targeted by hackers. The company alerted Italy’s National Cybersecurity Agency after receiving reports that spyware had been used against several individuals in Italy.
Among those affected were Luca Casarini, a well-known migrant rescue activist and co-founder of Mediterranea Saving Humans, and investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato.
Casarini shared a WhatsApp alert he received from the messaging service informing him that his device had been hacked. The alert coincided with Meta’s announcement that Paragon Solutions had targeted about 90 users in more than 24 countries.
The office of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the incident in a statement, calling it serious. It confirmed that the National Cybersecurity Agency is investigating the matter. Meloni’s office denied any involvement in the hacking attempt but, citing confidentiality, refrained from naming the victims.
