Meta accuses Israeli spyware firm of again targeting WhatsApp users

Meta accused an Israeli spyware firm on Monday of violating a court order restricting phishing attempts on WhatsApp, a social messaging platform owned by the technology company.

In an online statement, Meta announced it has asked a federal court to hold NSO Group in contempt for alleged ties to hacking attempts targeting WhatsApp users.

The technology company said it “successfully disrupted NSO-linked” spear phishing attempts that were flagged by users on the platform.

“They tried to trick people into clicking on malicious links to drive them to external websites outside of WhatsApp, similar to previously reported 1-click phishing campaigns linked to NSO,” Meta said. “We also caught them creating test accounts and groups on WhatsApp, which we took down.”

“1-click” refers to cyberattacks in which hackers can steal data or compromise an account with a single opened link.

Meta emphasized that WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption remains intact and encouraged users to report suspicious activity on the platform.

The Biden administration sanctioned NSO in 2021 for “engaging in activities that are contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.”

A federal court issued a permanent injunction against NSO last year, which ordered that the spyware company cease its efforts to break into WhatsApp with its flagship hacking tool, Pegasus.

The spyware firm, which claims to fight crime and terrorism, sells its technology to governments around the globe. NSO has been accused of facilitating human rights abuses through its technology.

Meta said 12 prominent civil rights organizations have filed amicus briefs to fight NSO’s appeal of the permanent injunction. The technology company also said it has contributed to the Spyware Accountability Initiative, a fund that supports organizations across the globe addressing spyware technology abuses.

“This work is demanding, often dangerous, and consistently under-resourced compared to the spyware industry that continues to develop new exploits,” Meta said in its statement. “We’re committed to doing our part to support this critical effort.”

The Hill has reached out to NSO Group for comment.