Key Takeaways
- Zero-click exploits are cyberattacks that compromise devices without user interaction, exploiting software or hardware vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access.
- Since no user interaction is required, these attacks can be extremely difficult to detect, making them particularly effective for stealing information.
- Notable zero-click attacks include the FORCEDENTRY iPhone exploit and the Paragon WhatsApp hack.
- Security measures like keeping software updated, disabling auto-downloads, using advanced security tools, and rebooting devices regularly can help reduce the risk of zero-click exploits.
In early February 2025, a zero-click spyware attack on WhatsApp targeted nearly 100 journalists and civil society members. The attack, which was attributed to Israeli spyware firm Paragon Solutions, exploited vulnerabilities in the messaging platform, allowing unauthorized access to user devices without any interaction from the victims.
Given that WhatsApp boasts over 2 billion users worldwide, this incident highlights the profound risks associated with zero-click exploits, especially when so many individuals rely on a limited number of digital applications. Zero-click attacks are particularly concerning because they bypass traditional security measures and exploit vulnerabilities in widely used software. Consequently, they can infiltrate devices silently, making detection extremely difficult.
In this article, we’ll explore what zero-click exploits are, how they work, and how you can protect yourself against them.
What Is a Zero Click Exploit Anyway?
A zero-click exploit is a sophisticated cyberattack that compromises a device without requiring the user to act. Furthermore, unlike traditional phishing attacks, which depend on users clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments, zero-click exploits leverage vulnerabilities in software or hardware to gain unauthorized access silently.
In other words, this means that a device can be compromised without the user ever realizing it, making such attacks particularly insidious.
What’s the Goal?
Zero-click attacks typically have a couple of specific objectives. These often include:
- Espionage: Accessing sensitive information from government officials, journalists, or activists.
- Data Theft: Stealing personal data, financial information, or intellectual property.
- Surveillance: Monitoring communications and activities without the target’s knowledge.
- System Control: Gaining control over a device to manipulate its functions or deploy additional malware.
With these goals, attackers intend to gather information, exert control, or cause harm without detection. But the scary part of this is that the user does not need to interact with them. So how exactly does that happen?
How Do Zero Click Attacks Work?
Zero-click attacks exploit vulnerabilities in software applications, operating systems, or hardware components. The attackers can identify flaws in the way these systems process data, allowing them to send specially crafted malicious code that the device automatically processes. As a result, this process bypasses traditional security measures and user awareness, leading to unauthorized access.
Zero Click Malware in Action: An Example
Consider a scenario involving a messaging application such as WhatsApp:
- Vulnerability Identification: The attackers discover a flaw in how the messaging app processes image files.
- Crafting Malicious Content: They create an image file embedded with malicious code designed to exploit this flaw.
- Sending the Malicious File: The attacker then sends this image to the target via the messaging app.
- Automatic Processing: Upon receipt, the app automatically processes the image to generate a preview, inadvertently executing the malicious code.
- Device Compromise: Finally, the code executes, granting the attacker unauthorized access to the device without any user interaction.
Zero-click malware can silently infiltrate a device by exploiting automatic data processing features. But that’s just one of the potential entry points, attackers can get creative and find new ways to exploit existing vulnerabilities of the application or hardware.
Why Are Zero Click Exploits So Dangerous?
Zero-click exploits pose significant threats due to several factors such as:
- Stealth: They require no user interaction, making them difficult to detect.
- High Success Rate: By exploiting unknown vulnerabilities, they often bypass existing security measures.
- Targeted Precision: Attackers can focus on specific individuals or organizations, hence increasing the potential impact.
- Limited Indicators: At the same time, traditional signs of compromise, like suspicious links or downloads, are absent, complicating detection efforts.
These characteristics make zero-click exploits a preferred method for sophisticated attackers aiming for covert operations.
Examples of Zero Click Attacks
Zero-click attacks have been employed in various high-profile incidents:
FORCEDENTRY Exploit 2021
A civil rights activist’s iPhone was compromised in 2021 by sophisticated spyware that had been sold to the country. Citizen Lab, a web security research group based at the University of Toronto, analyzed the activist’s iPhone 12 Pro and determined that it had been infected through a zero-click exploit.
The attack deployed Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli firm NSO Group, exploiting an undisclosed flaw in Apple’s iMessage system. Because the attack required no user interaction, the victim remained unaware that their device had been infiltrated.
This breach gained widespread attention as it successfully bypassed Apple’s BlastDoor security framework, a feature introduced to safeguard against malicious file executions within iMessage. The exploit, later dubbed FORCEDENTRY, was able to compromise two recent versions of iOS at the time, 14.4 and 14.6, both released in 2021. In response, Apple strengthened its security protocols with iOS 15, enhancing protections against such advanced cyber threats.
Whatsapp Paragon Hack 2025
In early 2025, WhatsApp revealed that approximately 90 users, including journalists and civil society members, were targeted by spyware from Paragon Solutions. The attack utilized a zero-click exploit, allowing the spyware to infiltrate devices without any user interaction.
The malicious code was delivered through WhatsApp, exploiting vulnerabilities in the app’s handling of certain file types. Consequently, once installed, the spyware could access messages, calls, and other sensitive data. WhatsApp has since taken measures to notify affected users and enhance its security protocols.
Paragon, which only sells to state bodies, is known for its Graphite spyware, a powerful surveillance tool capable of full access to target devices. The company is often compared to NSO Group, the manufacturer of Pegasus spyware.
How To Detect Zero Click Malware on Your Device
Detecting zero-click malware is challenging due to its stealthy nature. However, users can remain vigilant by:
- Monitoring Unusual Behavior: Unexpected battery drain, increased data usage, or performance issues may indicate compromise.
- Checking for Unauthorized Access: Unfamiliar logins or account activities can be red flags.
- Reviewing App Permissions: Ensure apps have appropriate permissions; excessive access requests can be suspicious.
- Utilizing Security Software: Lastly, employ reputable security solutions that can detect anomalous activities.
In conclusion, regularly reviewing device behavior and settings can help you identify potential infections.
How To Protect Yourself From Zero Click Malware
Preventative measures are crucial in defending against zero-click exploits. You can protect yourself against potential zero-click attacks by:
- Keeping Software Updated: Regularly update operating systems and applications to patch vulnerabilities.
- Disabling Unnecessary Features: Turn off automatic media downloads in messaging apps.
- Using Security Solutions: Employ advanced cybersecurity tools that monitor and block suspicious activities.
- Rebooting Devices Regularly: Restarting your phone daily can help clear temporary exploits from memory.
- Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security in case an attacker gains unauthorized access.
- Being Wary of Unsolicited Messages: Avoid engaging with unknown senders, as some attacks rely on delivering malicious payloads through messages.
- Restricting App Permissions: Limit the access apps have to sensitive data and system functions.
- Using Encrypted and Secure Messaging Apps: Finally, choose apps with end-to-end encryption and strong security protocols to reduce risk.
Taking these steps will significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to a zero-click attack and ensure that your personal and professional data remains secure.
Closing Thoughts
Zero-click exploits represent a growing cybersecurity threat, targeting devices without user interaction and bypassing traditional security measures. The WhatsApp Paragon hack of 2025 and similar incidents highlight the dangers posed by these sophisticated attacks.
With cybercriminals and hackers continually developing new techniques, staying informed and proactive becomes essential. Finally, regular updates, strong security measures, and cautious digital behavior can help mitigate the dangers of zero-click malware.
Can I detect a zero-click exploit on my device?
Detecting a zero-click exploit is difficult because there are often no visible signs of compromise. However, users can monitor for unusual behavior such as battery drain, high data usage, unexpected restarts, or unauthorized account activity. Using security tools and keeping software updated can help lower risks.
How can I protect myself from zero-click malware?
To reduce the risk of zero-click attacks, regularly update your device’s software, disable automatic media downloads, use strong security software, and reboot your phone frequently. Additionally, activating two-factor authentication (2FA) and restricting app permissions can further enhance protection.
