“The attack has all the hallmarks of a private company reportedly that works with government to deliver spyware that takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems.”
“We have briefed a number of human rights organisations to the information we can and to work with them to notify civil society.”
The NSO Group is an Israeli “cyber arms dealer”.
The company is partially owned by London equity firm Novalpina Capital.
NSO’s flagship software is ‘Pegasus’, which collects data from target devices via microphones, phone cameras and location data.
In a statement, the group said:
“NSO’s technology is licensed to authorised government agencies for the sole purpose of fighting crime and terror.”
The NSO Group told the FT:
“Under no circumstances should the NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology”.
“This is solely operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.”
‘Not something to worry about’
It is said that the suspected breach was highly targeted.
And WhatsApp have not yet confirmed how many users have been affected by the attack.
Scott Storey, a senior lecturer in cyber security at Sheffield Hallam University, believes most WhatsApp users were not affected however. That’s because this appears to be governments targeting specific people, mainly human rights campaigners.
“For the average end user, it’s not something to really worry about,” he said, adding that WhatsApp found the vulnerability and quickly fixed it. “This isn’t someone trying to steal private messages or personal details.”
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineWhatsApp suffers surveillance attack
Short HeadlineHackers target WhatsApp
StandfirstWhatsapp claims attackers were able to install surveillance software on phones
Hackers installed malware on phones and other devices by exploiting a weakness in the messaging app.
WhatApp says the attack affected a “select number” of users, and was carried out by “an advanced cyber actor”.
NSO Group, an Israeli security group, carried out the attack, according to the Financial Times.
Facebook told uders to update their apps as an added security measure.
A software update was issued on Friday.
The attack is thought to involve a weakness in the voice calling mode.
The surveillance software was installed even if the call was not picked up.
“The attack has all the hallmarks of a private company reportedly that works with government to deliver spyware that takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems.”
“We have briefed a number of human rights organisations to the information we can and to work with them to notify civil society.”
The NSO Group is an Israeli “cyber arms dealer”.
The company is partially owned by London equity firm Novalpina Capital.
NSO’s flagship software is ‘Pegasus’, which collects data from target devices via microphones, phone cameras and location data.
In a statement, the group said:
“NSO’s technology is licensed to authorised government agencies for the sole purpose of fighting crime and terror.”
The NSO Group told the FT:
“Under no circumstances should the NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology”.
“This is solely operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.”
‘Not something to worry about’
It is said that the suspected breach was highly targeted.
And WhatsApp have not yet confirmed how many users have been affected by the attack.
Scott Storey, a senior lecturer in cyber security at Sheffield Hallam University, believes most WhatsApp users were not affected however. That’s because this appears to be governments targeting specific people, mainly human rights campaigners.
“For the average end user, it’s not something to really worry about,” he said, adding that WhatsApp found the vulnerability and quickly fixed it. “This isn’t someone trying to steal private messages or personal details.”
A 2024 Freedom of Information request showed Bromley Council had £4.5 million invested in arms companies that year with £1.5 million reportedly linked to Israel.
Undercover officers raided three linked shops in Barking town centre, revealing how illicit tobacco is being hidden in walls, ceilings and nearby locations to evade detection.
More than 330,000 people across the UK sought support from the Stop It Now helpline in 2025 over concerns about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour towards children, according to new charity data. The anonymous service says contacts by phone, email and webchat rose significantly over the year.
