Spyware allows cyber threat actors to target users of messaging applications

CISA is aware of multiple cyber threat actors actively leveraging commercial spyware to target users of mobile messaging applications (apps).

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.

While current targeting remains opportunistic, evidence suggests these cyber actors focus on high-value individuals, such as current and former high-ranking government, military, and political officials, as well as civil society organizations (CSOs) and individuals across the United States, Middle East and Europe.