WhatsApp users warned to update NOW as it’s revealed hackers have installed spy software on phones just by CALLING them

In a statement, the firm said: "The attack has all the hallmarks of a private company reportedly that works with governments to deliver spyware that takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems."

ACCESSES CAMERA

NSO Group's flagship Pegasus software can collect intimate data from a target device.

It can even access a device's microphone and camera as well as gather location info.

In a statement, the group said: "NSO's technology is licensed to authorised government agencies for the sole purpose of fighting crime and terror.

"The company does not operate the system, and after a rigorous licensing and vetting process, intelligence and law enforcement determine how to use the technology to support their public safety missions.

"We investigate any credible allegations of misuse and if necessary, we take action, including shutting down the system.

"Under no circumstances would NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology, which is solely operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

"NSO would not or could not use its technology in its own right to target any person or organisation."

Danna Ingleton from Human rights group Amnesty International said: "There needs to be some accountability for this - it can't just continue to be a wild west, secretive industry."