In court documents, Facebook alleges that the NSO Group illegally developed a data program, called “Pegasus” and used it to spy on WhatsApp users. Court documents claim NSO was spying on political dissidents, diplomats, journalists, and human rights activists.
Pegasus spyware allegedly used to hack WhatsApp
The hacking was first reported in May, 2019, by the Financial Times. Targeted phones could be infected with the malware without answering the phone or taking any action. Both iPhones and Android devices were hit.
On Tuesday, July 20, 2020, a Bank Info Security article reported that NSO used reverse-engineering of WhatsApp to develop an exploit that delivers Pegasus spyware to targeted devices. The user does not have to respond when the attacker initiates a video call to a device.
Pegasus spyware is highly controversial. It can intercept communications, as well as extract browser history and contacts.
NSO has legal victory in an Israeli court
NSO Group scored a legal victory earlier this month in Israel over its use of Pegasus spyware. An Israeli court dismissed a petition filed by Amnesty International in 2018.
