WhatsApp says it has detected and blocked a spear-phishing attempt linked to the Israeli-based firm NSO Group. The attempt allowed the spyware to be installed on victims’ devices using malicious links and test accounts created within WhatsApp.
In light of the latest attempt, WhatsApp is seeking contempt of court action against NSO for allegedly violating a permanent injunction that prohibits it from targeting WhatsApp and its users. The court in 2025 ruled that NSO violated US federal and state laws regarding the hacking through its Pegasus software. NSO was ordered to pay Meta $167.25 million in damages.
NSO Group is blacklisted by the US government but continues to offer spyware services to countries that need the software. Pegasus gained global attention because of its involvement in the 2018 murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
