WhatsApp Spyware: NSO Group Takes a Hit with $168 Million Fine
- *By Malte Mansholt - 2 Min Reading Time
Unlawful WhatsApp Hackers Now Faced with Heavy Monetary Penalties - WhatsApp Hackers Face Million-Dollar Bills for breaching the platform's security.
In a crushing blow, the Israeli hacker firm NSO Group has been ordered to cough up a whopping $168 million, following their infamous infiltration of WhatsApp in 2018. This cyber espionage, which left thousands of users vulnerable, included the unauthorized access to private messages, photos, and even the activation of device cameras and microphones.
The Northern California District Court's jury ruled in favor of Meta, who operates WhatsApp. The hefty fine consists of $444,719 in compensation and approximately $147 million in penalties. The lawsuit was initiated after Meta unmasked the NSO Group's covert activities. It's believed that the NSO Group spied on more than 1,400 WhatsApp users on behalf of their clients, a disconcerting list that includes journalists, human rights activists, and government critics. Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered in 2018 under the Saudi government's orders, was also previously monitored using Pegasus spyware.
The Creeping Invasion
The victims were completely unaware of the breach. NSO Group capitalized on a never-before-exposed vulnerability, known as a zero-day flaw. This malware was furtively installed on devices via silent calls or texts, requiring no action from the victims. According to security experts, such attacks are rare and come with a hefty price tag. Once downloaded, the hackers recklessly snooped on messages, emails, photos, and even controlled cameras and microphones. A total invasion of privacy with no countermeasures.
Meta employees discovered the flaw in May 2019, prompting a lengthy investigation. Working alongside the civil rights organization Citizen Lab, they spent months tracking down and investigating over 1,400 victims. It took five months from the initial discovery for Meta to accuse the NSO Group of being behind the attack and decide to file a lawsuit.
WhatsApp: A Catalyst for Change
The trial threw the shadowy tactics of hacker firms into the spotlight. The NSO Group was forced to admit that they spend millions annually, exploiting security loopholes across various platforms, including WhatsApp. While they claim that their software is employed against terrorism, child abuse, and other grave crimes, the clients use it to spy on journalists, dissidents, and human rights activists.
The plaintiffs were able to persuade the jury that NSO Group's actions were far from noble. "This trial marked a pivotal moment in privacy protection," Meta stated. "The jury's decision send a clear message to other companies: act morally or face consequences." Apart from Meta, Apple too has taken legal action against the NSO Group, as the firm was responsible for the complete takeover of iPhones in similar attacks (more details here). The trial continues as of now.
Not NSO Group's Day in Court
"Turns out, companies don't want to help dictators spy on opponents," a Citizen Lab researcher remarked on the social platform Bluesky. "NSO Group invested in numerous high-priced lawyers to argue their case. However, the jury's verdict was unequivocal: unethical activities carry costs."
Unperturbed, NSO Group refuses to admit defeat. A spokesperson declared that the firm is carefully examining the verdict details and considering further legal action, including an appeal.
Sources: The Verge, Meta, Courthouse News Service
- WhatsApp Spyware
- Hacking Scandal
- NSO Group
- What's up, messenger? It seems the NSO Group, the infamous Israeli hacking firm, has been hit with a $168 million fine after their WhatsApp hacking scandal in 2018.
- The jury in the Northern California District Court, in favor of Meta (WhatsApp's operator), ruled that the NSO Group spied on more than 1,400 WhatsApp users, including journalists, human rights activists, and government critics.
- The trial, a pivotal moment in privacy protection, exposed the NSO Group's unethical practices, as they spend millions to exploit security loopholes, even on platforms like WhatsApp and iPhones.
- The jury's verdict marked a clear message to other companies: act morally or face consequences, as the unauthorized access to private messages, photos, and device control breaches general-news cybersecurity and crime-and-justice norms.
- Despite facing a crushing blow, NSO Group remains undeterred, considering a further legal action, including an appeal, as they delve into the details of the verdict.
