WhatsApp warns users of fake app used to distribute spyware

WhatsApp alerted approximately 200 users—primarily in Italy—that they had installed a fake iPhone WhatsApp client infected with spyware allegedly developed by Italian spyware maker SIO. The company emphasized the attack used highly targeted social engineering rather than exploiting a WhatsApp vulnerability, logged out the impacted accounts, and encouraged users to remove the unofficial app; the report ties this activity to a broader pattern of surveillance-for-hire vendors targeting journalists and human rights defenders.