WhatsApp uncovers new spyware attack on iPhone, Android devices

Anabelle Colaco
03 Sep 2025, 23:37 GMT+10

WhatsApp has uncovered a new cyberespionage campaign that exploited vulnerabilities in both its platform and Apple devices, targeting a small number of users worldwide
The Meta-owned messaging service said it had patched the flaws, which attackers used in combination to hijack devices
Amnesty International said members of civil society groups appear to be among those targeted

MENLO PARK, California: WhatsApp has uncovered a new cyberespionage campaign that exploited vulnerabilities in both its platform and Apple devices, targeting a small number of users worldwide.

The Meta-owned messaging service said it had patched the flaws, which attackers used in combination to hijack devices. Fewer than 200 people are believed to have been affected.

Amnesty International said members of civil society groups appear to be among those targeted. Donncha O Cearbhaill, head of Amnesty's Security Lab, said his team has begun collecting forensic data from potential victims.

On X, O Cearbhaill added that the campaign "was impacting both iPhone and Android users, civil society individuals among them," and cautioned that other apps besides WhatsApp may have been compromised.

The company did not disclose who was behind the hacking attempt.

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