These special phone and app features can help protect you from spyware
techcrunch.com May 24, 2026

These special phone and app features can help protect you from spyware

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Tech companies are providing users with special phone and app features to protect against spyware attacks, which have become increasingly common among journalists, human rights defenders, and political dissidents. WhatsApp and Apple have notified users of being targeted by Israeli spyware company Paragon Solutions. These attacks rely on sophisticated tools that allow hackers to access devices and data, including phone calls, messages, and location. In response, Apple, Google, and Meta offer opt-in features to counter targeted spyware attacks, adding extra protection by limiting some regular features. These features have been proven effective and are recommended for use.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · By using these features, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to spyware attacks, protecting sensitive information and communications.
  • · Enabling these features can be a crucial step for those at risk of government surveillance, providing an additional layer of defense against sophisticated hacking tools.