On Tuesday, a jury ruled in favour of WhatsApp, ordering NSO Group to compensate the company $167 million following a prolonged legal dispute. This case, which initiated in October 2019, stemmed from WhatsApp’s claim that NSO Group exploited a vulnerability in its audio-calling feature to unlawfully surveil over 1,400 users.
The trial lasted a week, during which key testimonies were given, including from NSO Group’s CEO, Yaron Shohat, and WhatsApp officials involved in the investigation. As evidence emerged, it was disclosed that NSO had severed ties with ten governmental clients who had misused its Pegasus spyware and detailed the identities of some of its purchasers, including Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.
Significantly, testimonies highlighted the sophisticated nature of the attacks, which employed a “zero-click” method. This approach allowed the spyware to infiltrate target devices without requiring any action from users. WhatsApp’s attorney Antonio Perez explained that NSO Group used a so-called “WhatsApp Installation Server” to send deceptive messages, tricking users into downloading the spyware simply by having their phone number.
Adding to the controversy, NSO Group acknowledged that it had indeed targeted an American phone number during a trial test for the FBI—despite previous claims that it could not be used against U.S. numbers. This “exception” was specifically configured for demonstration purposes.
The CEO of NSO stated during the trial that customers do not select which hacking technique to apply, as the Pegasus system automatically identifies the most effective exploit for each individual target. Interestingly, NSO’s headquarters is located in the same building as Apple, raising eyebrows given the frequent targeting of Apple devices by its software.
Even after the lawsuit was filed, NSO continued its operations against WhatsApp users, with the spyware reportedly active until mid-2020. Financially, NSO painted a dire picture, disclosing losses of $9 million for 2023 and estimating financial strain to continue into 2024, with a minimal balance in the bank.
Throughout the proceedings, Shohat expressed concerns about the company’s viability, stating complicated financial commitments left little room for damages. He acknowledged the struggles NSO faces in maintaining its operations amidst legal and financial pressures.
As the legal confrontation wraps up, developments from both the jury’s decision and the trial’s revelations continue to send ripples through the tech sphere, highlighting pressing challenges around cybersecurity and the use of surveillance technologies.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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