We are living in a digital age and spend hours between apps and platforms to complete our personal and commercial work. However, with our increasing appearance in digital locations, the danger is also increasing. We are watching scams, hacking efforts and WhatsApp. To be safe, Netizens is always advised not to click on suspicious links, open suspicious files, or download anything that looks wrong. But what if we tell you that there is a new hacking scheme, where the attackers steal credentials from the target victim to click on a link or download the file? Well, it is called zero-click hack.

WhatsApp recently told Reuters that around 90 users in more than two dozen countries have been targeted by hackers using advanced spyware developed by Israeli company Paragon Solutions. This spyware allowed the attackers to reach the target system information without the need for any click from the victim. In fact, spyware targeted all types of individuals, including journalists and members of civil society.

According to WhatsApp, the company has sent a conflict-letter to paragon after hack. “We will continue to protect people’s ability to communicate privately,” said in a statement to Reuters, owned by Meta.

But how is this possible – can be attacked without clicking on any link by malware or without any malicious download?

What is really zero-click hack?

As the name suggests, a zero-click hack is a sophisticated cyberlacac that allows hackers to infiltrate the user’s device without any interaction from the target.

Unlike traditional phishing efforts, users who need to click on malicious links or download infected files, exploit software weaknesses to secretly reach zero-click attacks. Hackers allegedly exploited weaknesses in messaging apps, email clients or multimedia processing functions. He sent malicious electronic documents that used to compromise users without the need to open or interact with them.

In the case of WhatsApp, hackers exploited the weaknesses of the messaging app.

This timid method makes zero-click attacks particularly dangerous and difficult to detect. These attacks are sometimes referred to as zero-click exploits, interaction-less attacks or completely remote attacks.

How zero-click attacks work

When the target individuals receive these malicious files, the operating system or application of the device inadvertently processes them, providing access to sensitive data, including messages, calls, photos and even microphones and cameras Also included. Hackers then steal all the necessary data from the infected system easily.

How to be safe

WhatsApp has assured users that it successfully disrupted the hacking effort and sent a struggle-change letter to paragon solutions. The company confirmed its commitment to protect the user privacy.

However, it is still important to be aware and vigilant about the increasing dangers online and follow the necessary safety precautions on apps and platforms. While zero-click attack is difficult for individuals, here are some safety tips to reduce the risk:

– Always keep your apps updated. New updates not only bring new features, but also fix bugs and weaknesses.

– To ensure that automatic updates also enable that safety patches become available as soon as they are available.

– Be cautious to the indications of the device agreement, such as sudden battery drainage, unpredictable app behavior, or funny messages from unknown users.

– If you suspect your device has been compromised, then report it to the cyber cell immediately.