Tech Giants Deploy Enhanced Defences Against Targeted Spyware

Apple, Google, and Meta have rolled out specific security modes designed to shield users from sophisticated, targeted spyware attacks. These features, including Apple’s Lockdown Mode, Google’s Advanced Protection Program and Mode, and WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings, offer heightened security by restricting certain device functionalities. Security experts recommend these tools for journalists, human rights defenders, and political dissidents at risk of government surveillance, noting they provide effective defence against zero-click exploits and other advanced hacking techniques.

In early 2025, WhatsApp notified approximately 90 users, primarily journalists and civil society members in Europe, that they had been targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions. Forensic analysis confirmed that two journalists were compromised by Paragon’s Graphite spyware via a zero-click attack, meaning they did not need to interact with a link to be infected. These incidents reflect a broader trend where government hackers have targeted critics over the last 15 years, exploiting expensive tools to gain near-total access to devices for call recording, message theft, and location tracking.

Citizen Lab found that Apple’s Lockdown Mode successfully stopped one spyware attack using NSO Group’s Pegasus software. Apple stated in March that it had never detected a successful attack on an Apple device with Lockdown Mode enabled. While the mode restricts typical device functions, it offers a critical layer of defence for those facing state-sponsored surveillance, with the ability to selectively disable restrictions for specific apps if necessary.

Google’s Advanced Protection Program was launched in 2017, requiring physical security keys for account access, while Android’s Advanced Protection Mode was introduced last year to bring similar mobile defences. WhatsApp launched Strict Account Settings earlier this year, an opt-in feature that enhances privacy and security controls on both Android and iOS platforms. These measures aim to counter the high demand for WhatsApp exploits, which have previously affected around 1,200 users in 2019 and 90 users in early last year.

Runa Sandvik, a security researcher, notes that these features are free, easy to enable, and can be turned off if they interfere with necessary tasks. The landscape of digital security remains an ongoing effort, with spyware makers constantly finding new vulnerabilities and software makers responding with updates. Despite the trade-offs in convenience, experts emphasise that these tools represent the best available defence for high-risk users against sophisticated hacking techniques.