NSO Group Ordered to Pay $612 Million for WhatsApp Hack

An Israel-based cyber intelligence firm, NSO Group, has been ordered to pay $167.25 million in punitive damages and $444,719 in compensatory damages for enabling the hack of approximately 1,400 users' devices on the instant messaging platform WhatsApp. The verdict, issued by a California federal jury, comes after a six-year legal battle that began in 2019 when WhatsApp discovered that NSO Group's zero-click spyware, Pegasus, was used to infiltrate smartphones without requiring user interaction.

The lawsuit was filed by WhatsApp after it was revealed that Pegasus was used in an attack targeting its users, including human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents. The verdict follows a judge's ruling in December that NSO Group was responsible for the hacking and breach of contract. NSO Group has defended its technology, stating that it plays a critical role in preventing serious crime and terrorism and is deployed responsibly by authorized government agencies.

In response to the ruling, WhatsApp has announced that it will donate the damages to organizations that help defend people against spyware attacks. The company views the verdict as an important step forward for privacy and security, marking the first victory against the development and use of illegal spyware that threatens the safety and privacy of everyone.

This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of spyware and its impact on privacy and security. The verdict sends a strong message to companies involved in the development and deployment of such technologies, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and legal compliance. The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future legal actions against similar practices, potentially leading to stricter regulations and oversight in the cyber intelligence industry.