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Citizen Lab reveals AdFection zero-click spyware delivered via online ads

Researchers at Citizen Lab have documented AdFection, a zero-click mercenary spyware campaign that used targeted digital advertising networks to infect dozens of devices.

Researchers at The Citizen Lab have uncovered a mercenary spyware campaign dubbed AdFection that infected dozens of devices without requiring user interaction. In the campaign, an Israeli advertising company routed targeted individuals to spyware servers to deliver zero-click compromises.[3][5]

The findings mark the first time researchers have released technical evidence showing sophisticated mercenary spyware and zero-click attacks delivered through targeted advertising. According to media reports detailing the campaign, the spyware relies on global online advertising networks to compromise both phones and computers.[1][2][4][5]

Key facts

  • Citizen Lab published research detailing AdFection, a zero-click spyware campaign that infected dozens of devices.
  • An Israeli advertising company routed targets to spyware servers as part of the campaign.
  • The campaign is the first time researchers have found and released technical evidence of zero-click mercenary spyware distributed via targeted online advertising.
  • The AdFection spyware infects both phones and computers using global online advertising networks.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    It’s the first time researchers found evidence of a zero-click attack delivered through targeted advertising. https://t.co/jzeM5uWTJa

    Open source
  2. EN

    Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·

    A new type of spyware dubbed "AdFection" is infecting phones and computers via global online advertising networks. https://t.co/SCUdpDtgCk

    Open source
  3. TE

    Techmeme@TechmemePost on X ·

    Citizen Lab details AdFection, a zero-click spyware campaign where an Israeli ad company routed targets to spyware servers and infected dozens of devices (Wired) (Visit Techmeme dot com for the link and full context!)

    Open source
  4. FT

    Financial Times@FTPost on X ·

    New ‘zero-click’ spyware hacked phones using targeted ads https://t.co/hjIIqxXSoI

    Open source
  5. WI

    WIRED@WIREDPost on X ·

    Researchers at The Citizen Lab have for the first time released technical evidence of sophisticated mercenary spyware being distributed via online advertising. https://t.co/oADiAtlTOJ

    Open source