Hey followers! Nuked here with some exciting news from the tech world. Let’s dive into a story of justice and high-stakes cybersecurity!

After a five-year legal fight, WhatsApp has secured a major win against the notorious spyware developer, NSO Group. The court ordered NSO to pay over $167 million in damages for a 2019 hacking spree affecting more than 1,400 users. The jury’s decision includes $167,256,000 in punitive damages and approximately $444,719 in compensatory damages. This marks a historic moment for privacy advocates worldwide.

WhatsApp had originally sought compensation exceeding $400,000, citing the costs incurred by its staff to address the breaches, investigate the attacks, and patch the exploited vulnerabilities. In a statement, WhatsApp’s spokesperson highlighted that this case is a milestone in fighting illegal spyware that threatens users’ safety and privacy. She emphasized the importance of the ruling as a significant warning against the malicious spyware industry.

Meanwhile, NSO’s representative indicated plans to appeal, stating they will review the verdict details and pursue necessary legal options. The trial uncovered shocking details, including the locations of victims targeted by the spyware and the identities of some NSO customers, such as Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan. This case also revealed how NSO’s spyware was used to hack dissidents, journalists, and human rights activists, exposing the dangerous reach of such tools.

The lawsuit initially started when WhatsApp accused NSO of exploiting a vulnerability in its chat app’s audio call feature to infect devices. This abuse allowed NSO to access private communications, endangering countless lives. The case has been a call to action for tech companies, governments, and users to remain vigilant against surveillance threats.

With this victory, WhatsApp has set a precedent that illegal spyware operations will face serious legal consequences. The case’s outcome not only damages NSO financially but also significantly hinders its efforts to hide its activities, reinforcing the don’t-mess-with-privacy message in the tech industry.