Experts warn risks from unknown links as spyware infests social media

Crooks impersonating journalists, business execs, and even friends and families of victims in over 200 countries to extract sensitive data

Facebook parent Meta Platforms Inc blocked over 40 social media accounts of Indian firm CyberRoot Risk Advisory Private Limited while cracking down on spyware vendors targeting people in over 200 countries. Experts prescribe vigilance for social media users amid rising cases of surveillance.

In its threat report released on Thursday, Meta said the global surveillance-for-hire industry was posing a growing threat to privacy. It indiscriminately targets people — including journalists, activists, and political opposition — to collect intelligence, manipulate and compromise their devices and accounts across the internet.

The company said spyware vendors were increasingly using fake social media accounts,