CyberScoop reports that Israel spyware maker NSO Group has been undeterred from developing new malware based on WhatsApp exploits following a lawsuit from the Meta-owned instant messaging and voice-over-IP service alleging its federal and state hacking law violations.
While WhatsApp proceeded to disable the "Eden" exploit leveraged by NSO Group, the Israeli firm proceeded to create the "Erised" vector to target the app's users until May 2020, noted a court filing from Meta, which also noted that NSO Group, and not its customers, was primarily behind the spyware attacks. "The evidence unveiled [Thursday] shows exactly how NSO's operations violated U.S. law and launched their cyberattacks against journalists, human rights activists and civil society. We are going to continue working to hold NSO accountable and protect our users," said a WhatsApp spokesperson. Meanwhile, Meta's claims have been repudiated by NSO Group, which has emphasized not having access to data obtained by its surveillance tool.
