Table of contents
- Graphite: the military spyware that turns phones into bugs
- Who can use Graphite, and why is it so dangerous?
- The debate on legality and global consequences
The Graphite spyware by Paragon Solutions has raised international concerns. This software, capable of infiltrating mobile devices without any user interaction, has been used to spy on activists and journalists in over 24 countries.
Among the victims are about a hundred people, including Italians such as Francesco Cancellato of Fanpage and Luca Casarini of Mediterranea Saving Humans.
Meta, the company behind Facebook and WhatsApp, notified affected users, warning them that their devices had been compromised. But what exactly is Graphite, and who can use it?
Graphite: the military spyware that turns phones into bugs
Graphite is an advanced surveillance software developed in Israel for military and intelligence use. Its main feature is its ability to execute zero-click attacks, infecting devices without user action.
Once installed, Graphite can:
- Access encrypted messages on apps like WhatsApp and Signal;
- Record calls without consent;
- Track GPS location in real time;
- Activate microphone and camera, turning the phone into a bug.
The name Graphite refers to graphite, the mineral used to create carbon copies of documents. Similarly, the spyware can clone and acquire every piece of information on an infected device.
Who can use Graphite, and why is it so dangerous?
Paragon Solutions claims that its software is exclusively available to law enforcement and governments to combat terrorism and organized crime. However, recent events have shown that Graphite has also been used for illicit purposes, such as the surveillance of journalists, activists, and political dissidents.
The most disturbing aspect is that Graphite leaves no obvious traces on the infected device. Thanks to its ability to operate in the cloud, the software allows operators to access information even after its removal. Moreover, it does not appear among installed apps and does not require visible permissions, making it extremely difficult to detect.
The debate on legality and global consequences
The use of advanced spyware like Graphite raises ethical and legal concerns. Organizations advocating for digital rights and governments worldwide are calling for stricter regulations to prevent abuses.
While some nations defend the use of these tools for national security, the risk of them being used for privacy violations and political repression is increasingly evident. The Graphite case is a wake-up call highlighting the need for greater transparency and oversight in digital surveillance.
Questions and answers
- What is Graphite?
Graphite is an advanced spyware capable of infiltrating mobile devices without user interaction.
- Who developed Graphite?
It was developed by the Israeli company Paragon Solutions.
- How does Graphite get installed on a device?
Through zero-click attacks, requiring no action from the user.
- Who can legally use Graphite?
Officially, law enforcement and governments for counter-terrorism efforts.
- What data can Graphite steal?
It can access messages, calls, GPS location, microphone, and camera.
- How can you tell if you’ve been infected?
It is very difficult, as it leaves no obvious traces and operates via the cloud.
- Can Graphite be removed from a device?
Removal is complicated as the spyware integrates into the operating system.
- Are there laws regulating spyware like Graphite?
There are regulations, but enforcement is still inadequate.
- What are the risks of improper use of Graphite?
Privacy violations, illegal surveillance, and political repression.
- How can you protect yourself?
Use updated devices, limit permissions, and report suspicious activity.
