iWorld
Games24x7 announces Saroj Panigrahi as the Chief Operating Officer
Mumbai: Games24x7, India’s multi-game platform, has announced the elevation of Saroj Panigrahi as its Chief Operating Officer (COO). As the new strategic leader, Panigrahi will spearhead marketing and operations across all existing and upcoming platforms including RummyCircle and My11Circle.
Panigrahi has been an integral part of the Games24x7 team for over 15 years and has held multiple positions within the organisation playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s product strategy. In his most recent role, he has been instrumental in building My11Circle. Under his leadership, My11Circle has witnessed significant growth, offering an engaging and immersive experience to millions of users, making it a distinct #2 player in the fantasy sports business.
Commenting on the appointment, Games24x7 co-founder & co-CEO Trivikraman Thampy said, “Saroj has been an invaluable team member over the years, and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic acumen and deep understanding of the user. His dedication and unwavering commitment to delivering extraordinary user experiences has not only elevated our platform but has also inspired our entire team. We are proud to have Saroj in this new leadership role, and excited about the limitless possibilities of innovation and growth that lie ahead.”
Panigrahi said, “There couldn’t be a better time to be in the rapidly growing sunrise sector of online gaming. I am truly honoured for this opportunity and the trust placed in me by the founders of the company. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege to work closely with an exceptional team that embodies values of integrity, innovation and customer-centricity. Building upon the strong foundation and our remarkable journey in the industry, my goal is to drive forward the next phase of growth for our businesses at Games24x7.”
As the Chief Operating Officer of Games24x7, he will drive operational excellence, ensuring the seamless execution of key initiatives towards overall growth.
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
