WhatsApp Uncovers Spyware Scandal in Italy
WhatsApp disclosed that an Italian surveillance company lured 200 users to download a fake version of the app to spy on them. The campaign, orchestrated by ASIGINT, used deception to install malicious software. This marks the second spyware incident in Italy linked to WhatsApp in 15 months.
WhatsApp revealed that an Italian surveillance firm deceived around 200 users into downloading a counterfeit version of its app. This version was altered to monitor its victims, according to the messaging service owned by Meta Platforms.
The operation was executed by ASIGINT, a subsidiary of SIO located in northern Italy, known for its cyber intelligence solutions. The campaign utilized deceit to convince users into installing malware disguised as WhatsApp, focusing primarily on targets within Italy.
Attempts to procure comments from SIO and relevant Italian authorities went unanswered. This incident marks the second exposure of spyware activity targeting WhatsApp users in Italy within the past 15 months, following a similar situation involving the U.S.-owned firm Paragon.
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