Industry News  NSO Group Slapped with $168M Fine for Spying on 1,400 WhatsApp Users
Industry News

NSO Group Slapped with $168M Fine for Spying on 1,400 WhatsApp Users

SecuredyouadmSecuredyouadm—May 7, 20250
PinterestLinkedInTumblrRedditVKWhatsApp
More stories



In a landmark decision, a federal jury has ordered NSO Group to pay approximately $168 million in damages to Meta-owned WhatsApp. This ruling comes after a federal judge found that the Israeli company violated U.S. laws by exploiting WhatsApp servers to deploy Pegasus spyware, targeting over 1,400 individuals globally. WhatsApp initially filed a lawsuit against NSO Group in 2019, accusing the company of using Pegasus to target journalists, human rights activists, and political dissidents.

Court documents from the trial revealed that 456 individuals in Mexico, 100 in India, 82 in Bahrain, 69 in Morocco, and 58 in Pakistan were targeted by the spyware. The attacks exploited a zero-day vulnerability in WhatsApp’s voice calling feature (CVE-2019-3568) to deploy the spyware through the messaging platform’s servers based in California. This ruling marks a significant victory for WhatsApp and a blow to the spyware industry’s illegal activities.

Meta’s head of WhatsApp, Will Cathcart, emphasized the historical significance of the court’s findings against NSO Group. He highlighted the critical deterrent effect of punishing NSO for its actions and reiterated the company’s commitment to preventing future targeting by NSO. In addition to punitive damages, the jury also awarded compensatory damages to WhatsApp for the efforts made by its engineers to block the spyware attack vectors.

Privacy advocates and human rights organizations have lauded the jury’s decision, which holds NSO Group accountable for its role in enabling surveillance of civil society members. Despite NSO Group’s claims of not being responsible for its clients’ actions, the judge emphasized the company’s involvement in developing malware installation methods and its capability to compromise iOS and Android devices. NSO Group has stated its intention to pursue legal remedies and uphold its technology’s role in preventing serious crime and terrorism.

Apple, which filed a similar lawsuit against NSO Group, dropped the case in 2024 to avoid revealing sensitive security details. The outcome of this legal battle sets a crucial precedent in the fight against spyware and underscores the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions in enabling malicious activities.



Source link

PinterestLinkedInTumblrRedditVKWhatsApp

Securedyouadm

Trump’s Bold Cyber Strategy Unveiled: Noem Briefs Lawmakers
As technology advances, the way we communicate is constantly evolving. The rise of social media platforms has revolutionized the way we interact with one another, allowing us to connect with people from all over the world in an instant. However, with this increased connectivity comes the risk of misinformation spreading like wildfire. In today’s digital age, it is more important than ever to critically evaluate the information we consume and share online.

One of the biggest challenges we face in the age of social media is the prevalence of fake news. Misleading headlines and doctored images can easily go viral, leading to widespread confusion and misinformation. It is crucial for individuals to fact-check information before sharing it, and to be wary of sources that are not credible. By being vigilant and discerning consumers of information, we can help combat the spread of fake news.

Another issue that arises from the constant connectivity of social media is the potential for cyberbullying. The anonymity provided by the internet can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behavior towards others. It is important for social media platforms to have strict policies in place to prevent cyberbullying and to provide support for those who are targeted. By fostering a positive and respectful online community, we can create a safer environment for all users.

Despite the challenges that come with social media, it also provides many opportunities for positive communication and collaboration. Platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow individuals to share their thoughts and ideas with a global audience, fostering creativity and connection. By using social media responsibly and ethically, we can harness its power for good and make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, the age of social media has brought both benefits and challenges to the way we communicate. It is up to us as individuals to navigate this digital landscape with care and consideration, being mindful of the information we consume and share. By staying informed, critical, and empathetic, we can harness the power of social media for positive change and create a more connected and inclusive online community.
Related posts
Load more
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read also
Load more