An Israel-based cyber intelligence firm has reportedly been ordered to pay damages for the security breach of the instant messaging platform WhatsApp that occurred six years ago.
The NSO Group is behind the zero-click spyware Pegasus, which allows hackers to infiltrate smartphones without requiring user interaction, such as clicking a link or opening a message.
In 2019, WhatsApp sued NSO Group after discovering that Pegasus was used in an attack that targeted its users, including human rights activists, journalists and dissidents.
Axios reports that after six years, a California federal jury determined that NSO Group is liable to pay WhatsApp $167.25 million in punitive damages to WhatsApp and $444,719 in compensatory damages to WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, for enabling the hack of about 1,400 of the platform users’ devices.
The verdict issued on Tuesday comes after a judge ruled in December that the NSO Group was responsible for hacking and breach of contract.
In response to the ruling, NSO Group defended its technology and says it will pursue legal remedies.
“We firmly believe that our technology plays a critical role in preventing serious crime and terrorism and is deployed responsibly by authorized government agencies.”
Following its victory in the case, WhatsApp says it will donate to organizations that help defend people against spyware attacks.
“Today’s verdict in WhatsApp’s case is an important step forward for privacy and security as the first victory against the development and use of illegal spyware that threatens the safety and privacy of everyone.”
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