Israeli Spyware Ads Operation
Researchers reveal Israeli firms used online ads to deploy zero-click spyware that automatically infects devices and enables surveillance.
January 2024
Discover-Tech served ads to millions globally since 2024
Discover-Tech served advertisements to millions of users worldwide starting in 2024. Affected regions mentioned include Yemen, Brazil, Mexico, and Czechia.
Source ↗October 2026
IAB Europe suspends Discover-Tech from globally approved vendors list
IAB Europe suspended Discover-Tech from its list of globally approved vendors. This decision followed an audit that identified policy violations by the Israeli firm.
Source ↗Researchers link Israeli firm's ads to zero-click spyware installation
Researchers reported that digital advertisements from an Israeli firm enabled the installation of 'zero-click' spyware. This finding was presented in the discussion on October 15, 2026.
Source ↗Citizen Lab reports Israeli agency used ads for spyware
Researchers at Citizen Lab, a digital investigations unit at the University of Toronto, reported the use of online advertisements for malicious purposes. The operation involved an Israeli advertising agency serving ads that enabled 'zero-click' spyware delivery.
Source ↗Spyware compromised devices at Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera
Citizen Lab stated that dozens of devices belonging to the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera were believed to have been compromised. The spyware was delivered through advertisements managed by Discover-Tech.
Source ↗Discover-Tech served ads linked to spyware delivery
Discover-Tech, identified as a specialized digital advertising agency, was found to be running the online advertisements. These ads formed a pipeline that allowed the deployment of the spyware against targeted devices.
Source ↗Discover-Tech used online ads for spyware operation
Israeli digital advertising agency Discover-Tech used a network of online ads to track internet users. This operation was used to help hack targets' devices.
Source ↗Israeli surveillance firms accessed ad platforms
Discover-Tech provided access to advertising platforms run by Google, Comcast, and Yandex. This access was granted to Israel's Candiru and other Israeli surveillance firms.
Source ↗Citizen Lab and Confiant reported on spyware use
Canadian cyber watchdog group Citizen Lab and New York advertising security firm Confiant released separate reports. These reports detailed the use of advertising platforms for surveillance.
Source ↗Google kicks Discover-Tech off ad platforms for policy violations
Google announced it collaborated with Citizen Lab and Confiant's investigation. Google subsequently removed Discover-Tech from its ad platforms for systematically violating its policies.
Source ↗Al Jazeera devices infected with Candiru spyware via ads
Devices at international news network Al Jazeera were infected with mercenary spyware from Candiru. The infection occurred through targeted online advertisements.
Source ↗Discover-Tech facilitates mercenary spyware operations
Discover-Tech, an Israeli company, was found to operate as a facilitator for multiple mercenary spyware partners. This operation utilizes its platform, Controlium.
Source ↗Controlium platform enables zero-click attacks
Discover-Tech's platform, Controlium, allows mercenary partners to execute zero-click attacks. These attacks enable de-anonymization, fingerprinting, and automatic device infection upon ad rendering.
Source ↗Researchers link Israeli agency to spyware via online ads
Researchers at a Canadian university identified that an Israeli advertising agency was serving millions of online adverts. These adverts were found to enable 'zero-click' spyware against targets.
Source ↗Citizen Lab suspects Al Jazeera compromise via ads
Citizen Lab, a digital investigations research unit at the University of Toronto, stated it believed dozens of devices at the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera were compromised. The spyware was delivered through ads run by Discover-Tech.
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