At a glance
Security researchers at Citizen Lab reported that online advertisements are being used to distribute zero-click spyware.124
The findings mark the first time analysts have uncovered technical evidence of zero-click infections occurring through online ads.14
An Israeli advertising firm was reportedly involved in delivering the ads that enabled the covert device compromises.12
Investigators confirmed that devices at media outlet Al Jazeera were among those hacked after being served malicious advertisements.13
Where sources agree
- Zero-click spyware was distributed through online ads4 of 4
- Citizen Lab uncovered technical evidence of the campaign4 of 4
- Devices at Al Jazeera were targeted by malicious ads2 of 4
- An Israeli firm was involved in serving the adverts2 of 4
Who covered this
3 National1 International
Sources
- 1The VergeAn Israeli firm is sending spyware through online ads, researchers say ↗
- 2The GuardianOnline ads weaponised to deliver ‘zero-click’ spyware, researchers say ↗
- 3TechCrunchCitizen Lab says governments are abusing online ads to hack people with ‘zero-click’ spyware ↗
- 4Wired‘Nightmare Scenario’: Zero-Click Spyware Is Infecting Phones via Targeted Ads ↗
Based on reporting from these reputable newsrooms and reviewed by Orbit’s editors. A fact appears only when at least two sources report it. Orbit is not affiliated with these publishers.
