Updated 2d ago · Tech
Researchers Say Israeli Firm Spread Spyware Through Online Ads
Researchers say Israeli ad company DiscoverTech secretly helped spyware developers infect devices through online ads. They tie it to an attack on Al Jazeera.
- 45 or more Al Jazeera devices were targeted in 2024 and 2025.
- 200,000 websites and apps carry DiscoverTech ads, the report says.
- Researchers say a hidden program, Controlium, let users pick specific targets.
- Candiru, now Integrity Labs, used the ads to deliver spyware, researchers found.
Why it matters: The researchers say the code was no-click spyware. A victim with a vulnerable device only had to see the ad.
- Targets could be chosen by advertising ID, browser identifier or IP address.
- Confiant found DiscoverTech ads on networks including the U.S. Defense Department's.
How 15 sources split on this story
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15 sources · 16 articles · 40% Left coverage
Center6 sources
Bloomberg4dIsraeli Firms Placed Spyware at Al Jazeera via Ads, Report SaysCTV News4dIsraeli firm used online ads to run vast spy operation, researchers sayEngadget4dCitizenLab Details New Spyware Triggered By Online AdvertisingFinancial Times4dNew ‘zero-click’ spyware hacked phones using targeted adsJerusalem Post4dIsraeli digital advertising agency spied on internet users, hacked devices through online adsTimes of Israel4dIsraeli company used online ads to run vast spy operation, researchers say
Left coverage, 6 sources: The left frames the story as evidence that the loosely regulated ad industry exposes journalists and ordinary users to state-linked spyware.
NBC News4dIsraeli ad company helped a spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads, researchers sayAl Jazeera3dHow Israeli firm’s ‘zero-click’ malware attack poses global security riskTechCrunch4dCitizen Lab says governments are abusing online ads to hack people with 'zero-click' spyware | TechCrunchThe Guardian4dIsraeli firm’s digital ads enabling installation of ‘zero-click’ spyware, researchers sayThe Independent3dGovernments are hacking people through online ads, report saysThe Verge4dAn Israeli firm is sending spyware through online ads, researchers say
Right3 sources
What’s next: Google says it helped the investigation, affirmed the findings and banned DiscoverTech from Google Ads.
- IAB Europe, Beeswax, Vungle and Eskimi have also suspended or disconnected the company.
- Natalia Krapiva of Access Now urged states and tech firms to take technical, legal and regulatory measures.
- Who directed the attack on Al Jazeera, and for which government, if any?
- How will DiscoverTech respond to the report's findings?
- Were other organizations targeted through the same ad network?
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