WHATSAPP has disrupted a spear-phishing attack allegedly linked to the NSO Group, a spyware company, in violation of a court order preventing it from targeting WhatsApp users. In a legal saga, WhatsApp sued NSO in 2019 after discovering that a vulnerability was exploited for spyware delivery. Following a court ruling in December 2024, NSO was ordered to pay substantial damages and was barred from attacking WhatsApp.
Recently, WhatsApp reported identifying new social engineering tactics used by NSO, leading to plans for a contempt order against the company. Additionally, civil society organizations have filed briefs to support WhatsApp's legal stance, while the app is also contributing to initiatives against spyware abuse.