Security researchers have uncovered a hack-for-hire operation targeting journalists, activists, and officials across the Middle East and North Africa, according to a report by TechCrunch. The investigation, conducted by digital rights group Access Now, mobile cybersecurity firm Lookout, and SMEX, documented multiple cyberattacks between 2023 and 2025. The cases involved two Egyptian journalists and one Lebanese journalist, with findings published separately by the organisations. In some cases, attackers also attempted to link a new device under their control to victims’ Signal accounts, a method previously used by other hacking groups. Researchers said hack-for-hire firms offer clients plausible deniability by handling infrastructure and execution.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 09, 2026 04:28 UTC