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The security flaw was exploited to install the Pegasus spyware. REUTERS / Dado Ruvic / Photo File

This is a new disappointment for Facebook. Its subsidiary, WhatsApp, acknowledged Tuesday that it had been infected with spyware, confirming information from the Financial Times . The famous online messaging service ensures that only a limited number of users have been targeted and recommends updating the application to address this security issue. According to several computer specialists, an Israeli company is behind the development of this very sophisticated spyware.

It was with a simple unhooked call that the spyware took control of the phone. The attackers then had access to all its contents: contacts, messages, photos, geolocation, they could also activate the microphone and the camera without the knowledge of the owner of the smartphone.

According to the Financial Times , this very difficult security vulnerability has been exploited to install the Pegasus spyware software developed by NSO Group. This Israeli company specialized in cybersurveillance is well known to the intelligence services of various countries. Several NGOs accuse him of helping authoritarian governments to spy on the actions of their opponents.

In a statement, Amnesty International recalls that one of its employees was targeted in 2018 by this malware, as were activists and journalists in Saudi Arabia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.

Amnesty International announces that it will file a complaint against the Israeli Defense Ministry, NSO Group's supervisory authority. For its part, the Israeli firm has responded by saying that its technology is marketed for the sole purpose of combating terrorism and crime.

► The explanations to update WhatsApp