Also on Monday, The Guardian reported that Sweden-based Libyan activist Husam El Gomati was also notified by WhatsApp as being one of the targets of the hacking campaign. El Gomati has been vocal criticizing Italy’s relationship with Libya, particularly an agreement between the two countries to stop immigrants from crossing the Mediterranean.

Paragon spyware uncovered in PDF files sent to journalists and members of civil society, with WhatsApp issuing a cease-and-desist against the company.

WhatsApp has stated that it is not yet clear who was behind the attack. However, it must be noted that Paragon's software, much like Pegasus, a spyware developed by the Israeli NSO Group, is typically used by government entities and agencies aiming to target specific individuals or groups.