Introduction to Paragon Spyware
Paragon spyware, specifically its flagship product Graphite, is a tool designed to breach encrypted messaging applications. Developed by Paragon Solutions, founded in 2019 in Israel by former intelligence officers, it has become a notable player in the surveillance industry. Its ability to access data from apps like WhatsApp and Signal has drawn both interest and scrutiny from governments and privacy advocates alike.
How It Works and Infects Devices
Paragon's spyware operates by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in encrypted apps, enabling zero-click hacks. This means it can infect a device without any user interaction, often through malicious PDFs distributed via WhatsApp groups. These PDFs exploit vulnerabilities in the app, allowing the spyware to install and provide long-lasting access to the device, even after reboots.
Costs and Contracts
The cost of Paragon spyware isn't publicly detailed, but a recent contract with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for $2 million over a year suggests high expenses, likely covering licenses and services for Graphite. This indicates that such surveillance tools are priced in the millions annually for governmental use.
Recent Scandals and the Priest Connected to Pope Francis
Recent scandals include a hacking campaign targeting around 90 WhatsApp users, including journalists and activists, across multiple countries. A notable case involves Fr. Mattia Ferrari, a priest working with migrants and closely connected to Pope Francis, who was targeted. This has raised ethical questions, especially as the Italian government denies involvement despite allegations, leading Paragon to terminate its contract with Italy. Additionally, Paragon's confirmation of the US government as a customer has intensified debates over surveillance in democratic nations.
Survey Note: A Deep Dive into Paragon Spyware and Its Implications
Background and Overview
Paragon Solutions, established in 2019 and based in Israel, is a company founded by former members of Israel's intelligence community, including notable figures like Ehud Schneorson, a former commander of Unit 8200, and with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on its board. The company has received seed funding of $5-$10 million from American investors, notably Battery Ventures from Boston, Massachusetts, as of September 2019 (Meet Paragon). With over 50 employees, many with backgrounds in surveillance and IDF intelligence units, Paragon has positioned itself as a competitor to other spyware giants like NSO Group.
Their flagship product, Graphite, is designed to hack into encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Signal, Facebook Messenger, and Gmail. It promises to provide long-lasting access to devices, even after reboots, by exploiting vulnerabilities in the protocols of these end-to-end encrypted apps, focusing on instant messaging rather than taking complete control of the phone.
Technical Details and Infection Methods
Paragon's spyware is particularly notorious for its zero-click hack capability, meaning it can infect a device without any user interaction. The infection vector typically involves sending malicious PDF files through WhatsApp groups. These PDFs exploit vulnerabilities in the WhatsApp application, allowing the spyware to install itself on the target's device. This method was highlighted in a recent campaign where WhatsApp disrupted an attack targeting 90 users, noting that the hack required no action from the targets (Meta Confirms Zero-Click WhatsApp Spyware Attack). The spyware's ability to operate stealthily, exploiting unpatched zero-day exploits, underscores its sophistication and the significant privacy risks it poses.
Cost Analysis
The exact pricing for Paragon's spyware is not publicly disclosed, but a contract signed by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with Paragon's US subsidiary in Chantilly, Virginia, on September 27, 2024, for $2 million over a year provides insight. This contract, covering a "fully configured proprietary solution including license, hardware, warranty, maintenance, and training," suggests that the cost for governmental use is substantial, likely in the millions annually (ICE Signs $2 Million Contract With Spyware Maker Paragon Solutions). Given Paragon's policy of selling only to democratic countries and its vetting processes, as stated by executive chairman John Fleming, the pricing reflects the exclusivity and advanced nature of the technology.
Recent Scandals and Ethical Concerns
The use of Paragon's spyware has been mired in controversy, particularly with a hacking campaign disclosed by WhatsApp on January 31, 2025, targeting around 90 users, including journalists and members of civil society across two dozen countries (Meta's WhatsApp says spyware company Paragon targeted users). This campaign, using zero-click exploits, has drawn significant attention, especially given the targets' profiles.
A particularly notable case is the targeting of Fr. Mattia Ferrari, a priest and chaplain for the NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans, known for his work with migrants. Fr. Ferrari has a close relationship with Pope Francis, having met with him and received his support, as evidenced by the Pope's preface to Ferrari's book "Saved by Migrants. Tale of a Way of Life" (Pope Francis: Migrants ask us to cultivate ‘dream of fraternity’). Ferrari was informed by Meta in February 2024 that his phone was targeted, raising questions about the motives behind such surveillance (Italian priest close to pope told he was target of surveillance tool).
The Italian government has been accused of using Paragon's spyware to target activists and journalists critical of its policies, though it denies involvement. Reports suggest Paragon terminated its contract with Italy following these allegations, citing violations of its terms of service, which prohibit targeting journalists and civil society figures (Spyware company Paragon Solutions ends contract with Italy). This has led to international tensions, with the European Commission labeling such actions, if proven, as "unacceptable" (Paragon spyware case breaks out in Italy, European Commission).
US Government Involvement and Regulatory Scrutiny
Paragon confirmed on February 4, 2025, that the US government is among its customers, selling to "a select group of global democracies — principally, the United States and its allies" (Spyware maker Paragon confirms US government is a customer). This has raised concerns, especially given the Biden administration's executive order on spyware, which bars agencies from using commercial spyware that poses risks to human rights. The ICE contract, signed in September 2024, is under review for compliance, with civil society organizations like the Center for Democracy and Technology calling for transparency (DHS Must Come Clean on Contract with Spyware Purveyor Paragon Solutions).
Conclusion and Implications
Paragon spyware, with its advanced capabilities to breach encrypted communications, is a double-edged sword. While it may serve legitimate law enforcement and national security purposes, its misuse against journalists, activists, and figures like Fr. Mattia Ferrari underscores the need for stringent regulations and oversight. The controversies surrounding its use, particularly in democratic nations, highlight the ongoing debate over privacy versus security, with significant implications for human rights and international relations. As the industry continues to evolve, ensuring ethical use and accountability will be paramount.
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