WhatsApp security incident history
Hacking, data breaches and other security incidents involving WhatsApp, with related coverage.
WhatsApp blocks NSO-linked Pegasus attack on users
WhatsApp blocked an NSO-linked cyber-attack targeting its users. Pegasus spyware was used in the attack, while the date of the attack and the scale of the damage have not been confirmed.
Read on CyberSecurityNews ↗Information and images from 3.5 billion WhatsApp accounts exposed
Impact: Information and images from 3.5 billion accounts
Information and images from 3.5 billion WhatsApp accounts were exposed. Researchers collected the data and claimed it was the largest data leak ever.
Related reports: 2 · last report →Suspected zero-click hacking of WhatsApp users
Suspicions were raised that a new zero-click attack was used to hack WhatsApp users. After a sophisticated cyber-attack was discovered, iPhone users were advised to update WhatsApp.
Related reports: 3 · last report →Meta confirms WhatsApp-related hacking
Meta has confirmed hacking related to WhatsApp. The specific targets, the scale of the damage, the timing of the attack and the response have not been confirmed.
Read on Forbes ↗Pegasus maker NSO ordered to pay damages over WhatsApp hack
NSO, maker of the Pegasus spyware, was held legally liable for hacking WhatsApp. A US court found NSO liable in December 2024, and in May 2025 it was ordered to pay $167 million in damages.
Related reports: 3 · last report →