‘Nightmare Scenario’: Zero-Click Spyware Is Infecting Phones via Targeted Ads
Researchers at Citizen Lab have identified a new 'zero-click' spyware campaign dubbed 'AdFection' that infects mobile devices through targeted digital advertisements. This method allows attackers to compromise devices without any user interaction, posing a significant security risk.
Why it matters
The discovery of ad-based zero-click exploits represents a major escalation in cyber-surveillance capabilities, making it nearly impossible for average users to protect themselves.
Dubbing the attacks “AdFection,” the researchers documented a campaign in which an Israeli-registered advertising firm allegedly connected to the servers linked to a spyware company and infected dozens of devices with its invasive malware. Citizen Lab believes this to be the first detailed technical evidence made publicly available of sophisticated spyware infecting devices via digital ads.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in