If you’ve heard of Pegasus spyware, you’ll know how serious this threat has been. Pegasus is a highly advanced spyware tool designed to infect smartphones running iOS and Android silently. It doesn’t need you to click on anything—just receiving a message could let it in. Once installed, it can secretly control your phone and collect your data. The company behind it, NSO Group, has been selling this spyware to government agencies worldwide.
For years, major tech companies like Apple and WhatsApp have warned you to update your devices to stay protected from Pegasus. They’ve even issued public alerts to help users stay ahead of the spyware. But the problem didn’t stop there.
On May 6, WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, announced that it had won its legal battle in the United States against NSO Group. The case went to trial, and a jury sided with WhatsApp, ruling that NSO Group must pay damages for its illegal activities. This is a major win for user privacy and a strong signal against companies that deal in spyware.
A look inside the courtroom victory
During the trial, WhatsApp revealed that NSO Group wasn’t just targeting WhatsApp. Pegasus had been used to exploit vulnerabilities in many other popular platforms. The spyware was so advanced that it cost NSO tens of millions of dollars yearly to keep it working. They developed techniques to spread the spyware through instant messages, web browsers, and even mobile operating systems.
If your device wasn’t current, it could have been at risk. The tools NSO used are still believed to work against older, unpatched versions of iOS and Android today.
WhatsApp’s statement after the trial underlined how important this victory is—not just for the company, but for everyone using digital devices. “Today, the jury’s decision to force NSO, a notorious foreign spyware merchant, to pay damages is a critical deterrent to this malicious industry against their illegal acts aimed at American companies and the privacy and security of the people we serve,” said the company.
The road ahead for digital safety
Although WhatsApp has won the case, the journey isn’t over. The company admits that collecting the damages may take time, but it plans to use part of the money to support digital rights organisations. These groups work to protect your online freedom and security.
WhatsApp also hopes to secure a legal order to prevent NSO Group from ever trying to target its platform again. This would be a big step toward making messaging safer for everyone.
As a user, it’s important to stay alert. Even though legal wins like this help make the digital world safer, you still play a role in protecting your own devices. Keeping your apps and operating systems updated is one of the best defences against spyware like Pegasus.
For more tips, don’t forget to read our guide on staying safe online. It covers simple ways to secure your home network, protect your devices, and keep your accounts safe.
