A US Spyware King
5 hours ago
- Paragon Solutions, an Israeli spyware maker, was acquired by US equity firm AE Industrial Partners in December 2024 and merged with US cyber firm REDLattice.
- WhatsApp alleged that Paragon's Graphite spyware infected over 60 individuals in more than 20 countries, including journalists and activists.
- Paragon canceled contracts with Italian intelligence agencies after the allegations but did not investigate the claims; CEO Andrew Boyd said the company had no technical way to monitor customer misuse or detect abuse.
- Unlike rival NSO Group, Paragon lacks a kill switch and access to customer logs, relying solely on vetting and contractual deterrence to prevent misuse.
- The US acquisition allowed Paragon to bypass foreign-ownership restrictions and pursue US contracts, with a CEO who has CIA and State Department experience.
- Paragon sells only to US and select allies, with 20-30 approved countries; it refuses sales to Saudi Arabia but has sold to Singapore despite human rights concerns.
- Critics say Paragon's lack of oversight and reliance on third-party discovery of abuse shows the spyware industry cannot self-regulate.