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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2025-11-25 06:51:26.199
Source: https://thehackernews.com/2025/11/cisa-warns-of-active-spyware-campaigns.html
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CISA Warns of Active Spyware Campaigns Hijacking High-Value Signal and WhatsApp Users. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on Monday issued an alert warning of bad actors actively leveraging commercial spyware and remote access trojans (RATs) to target users of mobile messaging applications. "These cyber actors use sophisticated targeting and social engineering techniques to deliver spyware and gain unauthorized access to a victim's messaging app, facilitating the deployment of additional malicious payloads that can further compromise the victim's mobile device," the agency said. CISA cited as examples multiple campaigns that have come to light since the start of the year. Some of them include - The agency said the threat actors use multiple tactics to achieve compromise, including device-linking QR codes, zero-click exploits, and distributing spoofed versions of messaging apps. CISA also pointed out that these activities focus on high-value individuals, primarily current and former high-ranking government, military, and political officials, along with civil society organizations and individuals across the United States, the Middle East, and Europe. To counter the threat, the agency is urging highly targeted individuals to review and adhere to the following best practices -
Daily Brief Summary
CISA has issued an alert regarding active campaigns using commercial spyware and remote access trojans targeting users of popular messaging apps like Signal and WhatsApp.
These campaigns employ advanced targeting and social engineering to infiltrate messaging apps, allowing further malicious payloads to compromise mobile devices.
Threat actors utilize various tactics such as device-linking QR codes, zero-click exploits, and fake app versions to achieve unauthorized access.
The primary targets include high-value individuals such as government officials, military personnel, and political figures across the U.S., Middle East, and Europe.
CISA advises potential targets to implement best practices to mitigate risks, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to security protocols.
The alert serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by sophisticated cybercriminals exploiting popular communication platforms.