Apple has been sounding the alarm in recent weeks to people around the world about possible spyware intrusions. These threats explicitly aim to intimidate individuals for their professional and advocacy work. One Italian journalist who tipped off the organizers is Ciro Pellegrino of Fanpage. Along with an email, he got a text message from Apple notifying him of the intrusion.
Pellegrino’s notification follows a similar warning sent to his compatriot and fellow Transnational Institute fellow, Francesco Cancellato. In February, Cancellato learned on WhatsApp that Paragon spyware had infected his device. This malware was produced by Paragon Solutions, an Israeli company. Far from being an extreme example, Apple’s notifications were a window into a disturbing trend. The spyware attacks were clearly aimed at these individuals in their capacities as journalists and activists.
Along with Pellegrino and Cancellato, Eva Vlaardingerbroek, a Dutch right-wing activist, reported receiving an Apple notification. Vlaardingerbroek described the alert as an “attempt to intimidate me, an attempt to silence me, obviously.”
The Apple notifications, sent to all users in 100 different countries, made clear that this was a historic and urgent moment. A statement within the notification read, “This attack is likely targeting you specifically because of who you are or what you do.” Pellegrino confirmed this assertion, stating, “Did this really happen? Yes, it is not a joke.”
Two Italian officials of the non-government organization Mediterranea Saving Humans had been alarmed to discover that they were targets of Paragon spyware. This nonprofit organization is widely recognized for its tireless work to rescue immigrants seeking a better life in harrowing conditions across the Mediterranean Sea. After the revelation of these spyware operations, Paragon Solutions cut off relations with its Italian government client.
The consequences of these spyware hacking attacks are serious. These pose significant risks to privacy, security, and they can be used to intimidate journalists and activists, fairness. Pellegrino noted, “Today’s notification is being sent to affected users in 100 countries,” underscoring the widespread nature of the threats.
Cancellato’s announcement that he was being targeted by Paragon spyware brought a greater awareness to other activists and journalists in Italy. Since then, only Pellegrino and Vlaardingerbroek have come forward to confirm receipt of Apple’s notifications.