🚨Spyware Makers Use Ads to Hack 45 Devices
Ad networks turned into hacking tools
TL;DR
Government-backed spyware makers are using global ad networks to target and hack devices. At least 45 Windows computers at a media org were hit. Researchers found billions of ad bidding records exposed.
Spyware makers are now using global advertising networks to target and hack devices, serving malicious ads that can steal data invisibly. Candiru and Bindecy, two spyware makers, used Discover-Tech's platform to target specific individuals or devices with pinpoint precision. At least 45 Windows computers at a media organization were hacked in 2024 and 2025 via Candiru's spyware after being exposed to online ads packed with malicious code. This is the first confirmed case of zero-click government-backed spyware attacks delivered through online ads. The ads were shown on devices used by militaries, governments, critical infrastructure, and national cyber agencies. Researchers found billions of ad bidding records exposed on Discover-Tech's website, showing ads displayed across tens of thousands of mobile apps and websites between March and June 2026. The real story: this is a major security concern for anyone using ad networks.
Key Points
Candiru and Bindecy used Discover-Tech's platform to target specific individuals or devices with spyware.
At least 45 Windows computers at a media organization were hacked via Candiru's spyware in 2024 and 2025.
Discover-Tech's platform allowed for the pushing of malicious content to individual targeted users alongside advertisements.
Billions of ad bidding records were exposed on Discover-Tech's website, showing ads displayed across tens of thousands of mobile apps and websites.
The ads were shown on devices used by militaries, governments, critical infrastructure, and national cyber agencies.
Why It Matters
If you're using ad networks, this is a major security concern. Researchers found billions of ad bidding records exposed on Discover-Tech's website, showing ads displayed across tens of thousands of mobile apps and websites between March and June 2026. The ads were shown on devices used by militaries, governments, critical infrastructure, and national cyber agencies. This means that anyone relying on ad networks for their digital presence is at risk of being targeted by sophisticated spyware.
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