Israeli firm’s digital ads enabling installation of ‘zero-click’ spyware, researchers say
Summary
Researchers at Citizen Lab, University of Toronto, found that an Israeli ad agency, Discover-Tech, has been spreading spyware through online ads that do not require any action from victims to install. This “zero-click” spyware targets users worldwide, including journalists and government workers, by using a software platform named Controlium to identify and hack devices covertly.Key Facts
- Discover-Tech is an Israeli digital advertising agency that has delivered millions of online ads since 2024.
- Their software, Controlium, can profile users and install spyware without any clicks or interaction from the victim.
- Spyware has reportedly infected dozens of devices at Al Jazeera, a Qatari broadcaster.
- Targets include government officials, journalists, activists, and embassy workers.
- The spyware can steal messages, photos, emails, record calls, and turn on microphones secretly.
- Spy ads have appeared in countries like Yemen, Brazil, Mexico, and Czechia, and on networks linked to government bodies in Europe, the US, and international organizations like the UN and NATO.
- Online ad auctions use automated bids based on user profiles gathered from tracking online activities.
- There is little regulation on these automated ad markets, raising security and privacy concerns.
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