Spyware Threats Target Journalists and Activists via Zero-Click Attacks

• •Paragon Solutions' Graphite spyware uses zero-click attacks to target journalists.
• •Tech giants have introduced enhanced security features to combat spyware threats.
• •Experts recommend enabling protective features to safeguard against potential surveillance.

In early 2025, WhatsApp alerted 90 users, primarily journalists and activists in Europe, that they had been targeted by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware firm. Shortly after, Apple notified iOS users of similar threats, confirming that two journalists were compromised by Graphite spyware through a zero-click attack. These attacks exploit sophisticated tools to gain covert access to smartphones, allowing operators to record calls, steal messages, and track locations. Over the past 15 years, numerous cases of such targeted attacks have been documented against vulnerable groups. In response, tech giants like Apple, Google, and Meta have enhanced their security features to protect users from these threats. Security experts recommend enabling these features, which are designed to counteract targeted spyware attacks. Despite the evolving nature of spyware, these protective measures have proven effective and are easy to implement.