Meta Wins $167 Million in Spyware Suit Against NSO Over WhatsApp Hacks

Benzinga

A federal jury in California ordered Israeli spyware maker NSO Group to pay Meta $167.25 million in statutory damages for hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, according to The Verge. The decision follows Meta’s 2019 lawsuit after Citizen Lab uncovered a vulnerability allowing Pegasus to infect devices through missed calls. The spyware could activate microphones, cameras, and access private data, targeting journalists, diplomats, and activists. Meta was also awarded compensatory damages and will seek a permanent court order to block future NSO attacks. The company called the ruling a milestone for user privacy. NSO says it may appeal.

Transcript

00:00It's Benzinga bringing Wall Street to Main Street.

00:02A federal jury in California ordered Israeli spyware maker Anasso Group to pay Meda $167.25 million

00:08in statutory damages for hacking 1,400 WhatsApp users with Pegasus spyware, according to The Verge.

00:15The decision filed in Meda's 2019 lawsuit after Citizen Lab uncovered a vulnerability

00:19allowing Pegasus to infect devices through missed calls.

00:22Spyware could activate microphones, cameras, and access private data,

00:26targeting journalists, diplomats, and activists.

00:28Meda was also awarded compensatory damages and will seek a permitted court order

00:32to block future Anasso attacks.

00:34The company called the ruling a milestone for user privacy.

00:38Anasso says it may appeal.

00:39For all things money, visit Benzinga.com slash GSTV.

Category

Transcript

Comments

Recommended