Journalists Hacked with Paragon Spyware

Two European journalists were confirmed to have been hacked using spyware made by Israeli company Paragon.

The iPhones of Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and another unnamed journalist showed evidence of infection by Paragon's spyware.

Citizen Lab's investigations raise questions about earlier conclusions by Italy's COPASIR, which oversees intelligence activities.

Despite governmental denials, spyware use in Italy seems tied to deeper surveillance activities against journalists.

Citizen Lab's forensic analysis suggests a specific 'zero-click attack' method was used, which requires no user interaction.

Other victims identified include members of a nonprofit helping migrants, indicating targeted surveillance on those challenging government narratives.

The spyware scandal centers on the Italian government's potential responsibility and raises civil rights concerns among affected journalists.