In a significant development, Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions has reportedly ceased access for its clients in Italy after allegations emerged that its technology was utilized to surveil critics of the Italian government, including journalists and civil society members.
Spyware Firm Bars Access in Italy Amid Activist Targeting Claims
Spyware Firm Bars Access in Italy Amid Activist Targeting Claims
Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions suspends services in Italy following accusations of government surveillance against activists.
The decision comes after a report from WhatsApp last week, which claimed that the spyware produced by Paragon was aimed at 90 of its users spread across two dozen countries. Italy's government acknowledged that seven mobile users had been identified as targets, labeling the act as “particularly severe”. In response, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office denied involvement and instructed the National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN) to investigate the situation.
Among those who have stepped forward are investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, Husam El Gomati who opposes Italian military involvement in Libya, and Luca Casarini, an NGO leader aiding migrants. Both The Guardian and Haaretz reported that Paragon terminated its contracts with various clients in Italy, including at least one intelligence agency and a law enforcement body.
Paragon Solutions specializes in providing its services to state-affiliated organizations, with its leading product, Graphite, enabling full access to targeted mobile devices ostensibly for crime prevention purposes. The firm competes with NSO Group, known for its notorious Pegasus spyware.
WhatsApp's objection to the spyware operations was articulated through a spokesperson, who emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting users' private communications and holding spyware firms accountable. Reports indicate that individuals targeted in the recent campaign received malicious documents that did not require user interaction to manifest a “zero-click hack,” raising concerns over privacy and security across Europe.
While the identification of additional victims in this leakage remains undisclosed, officials were made aware by WhatsApp that the targeted users originated from various European nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
ItalyCyber-security
Among those who have stepped forward are investigative journalist Francesco Cancellato, Husam El Gomati who opposes Italian military involvement in Libya, and Luca Casarini, an NGO leader aiding migrants. Both The Guardian and Haaretz reported that Paragon terminated its contracts with various clients in Italy, including at least one intelligence agency and a law enforcement body.
Paragon Solutions specializes in providing its services to state-affiliated organizations, with its leading product, Graphite, enabling full access to targeted mobile devices ostensibly for crime prevention purposes. The firm competes with NSO Group, known for its notorious Pegasus spyware.
WhatsApp's objection to the spyware operations was articulated through a spokesperson, who emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting users' private communications and holding spyware firms accountable. Reports indicate that individuals targeted in the recent campaign received malicious documents that did not require user interaction to manifest a “zero-click hack,” raising concerns over privacy and security across Europe.
While the identification of additional victims in this leakage remains undisclosed, officials were made aware by WhatsApp that the targeted users originated from various European nations, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.
ItalyCyber-security
