NSO Group

Company Overview

Snapshot

Founded in December 2009 by Shalev Hulio and Omri Lavie, NSO Group is a cyber intelligence firm with 201–500 employees. The company has raised $1.6M across one funding round from two investors.

Business overview

NSO Group is a Cyber Security company that develops technology to enable government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to prevent and investigate terrorism and crime. The company provides tools to help official authorities prevent terrorism, break up criminal operations, find missing persons, and assist search and rescue teams. NSO Group operates in the Cyber Security sector, serving government and public safety markets with products like Pegasus and Fleming.

Strategic signal

In May 2025, a US jury ordered NSO Group to pay Meta $167 million in damages for violating WhatsApp's terms of service. This ruling, following a six-year legal battle, highlights the significant legal and financial risks associated with the company's surveillance technology and its use, signaling increased scrutiny and potential liabilities for firms operating in the cyber intelligence space.

Company Intelligence Q&A

What was the outcome of the lawsuit between Meta and NSO Group regarding the WhatsApp hack?

In May 2025, a US jury ordered NSO Group to pay Meta $167 million in damages for violating WhatsApp's terms of service and for malicious purposes related to the Pegasus spyware. NSO Group has indicated its intention to appeal this decision.

What was the total capital raised by NSO Group?

NSO Group raised a total of $1.6M across one funding round.

What was the reported cost for NSO Group to hack iPhones?

In September 2016, a report indicated that NSO Group charged $650,000 to hack 10 iPhones.

What was a significant leadership change at NSO Group?

In October 2021, NSO Group appointed Isaac Benbenisti as its new CEO.