Israeli Startup Develops Zero-Click Spy Tools for Western Intelligence Agencies
Tel Aviv, Monday, 9 February 2026.
Radiant Research Labs, founded by former Israeli military intelligence officers in 2023, has created advanced surveillance technology that can infiltrate phones and computers without any user interaction. The company gained prominence after October 7, 2025, when it rapidly provided tracking tools to help locate Israeli hostages. Unlike traditional spyware requiring clicks or downloads, these zero-click weapons exploit device vulnerabilities instantly, representing a significant leap in intelligence capabilities and raising critical questions about privacy in democratic societies.
The Technology Behind Zero-Click Surveillance
Zero-click cyber weapons represent a fundamental shift in surveillance technology, capable of penetrating digital devices through messages or calls without requiring any user interaction [1]. These sophisticated tools exploit vulnerabilities in device operating systems to gain complete access, eliminating the traditional need for human error that previous spyware relied upon [1]. The technology makes cyber espionage significantly more certain and less risky for intelligence agencies, as targets cannot avoid infection through careful behavior [1]. Radiant Research Labs developed its first zero-click cyber tool approximately six months after the company’s founding in May 2023, and has since created around ten major cyber and technological tools [2]. The company’s CEO, Tal Slomka, explains that Radiant provides “the core for developing or employing certain cyber tools as opposed to the tool which will be deployed” [2], indicating the company focuses on infrastructure rather than direct deployment.
Rapid Response During Crisis
The events of October 7, 2025, provided Radiant with an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in real-world conditions [2][3][4]. Following the attacks, Radiant paused its regular operations and provided tools to IDF intelligence to help locate Israeli hostages [2]. The company’s members assisted multiple Israeli agencies, including IDF intelligence, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Defense Ministry’s MAFAT research and development directorate, and a cyber command center [2]. This rapid response showcased the practical applications of zero-click surveillance technology in hostage recovery operations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the controversial nature of such capabilities. The Israeli intelligence establishment is aware of Radiant’s operations, and the Defense Ministry is streamlining foreign licensing sale approvals, which is likely to improve the company’s market position [2].
Global Implications and Regulatory Environment
The proliferation of zero-click surveillance tools occurs against a backdrop of evolving international regulations and changing political dynamics [GPT]. The US Commerce Department placed NSO Group on its Entity List in 2021 due to risks to human rights and foreign policy interests, but the Trump administration has adopted a more favorable stance on offensive cyber capabilities [1][4]. US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has since deployed similar technology after the Trump administration lifted previous restrictions [2]. The debate over cyber espionage tools intensifies as democratic oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with technical reality, making it difficult to scrutinize zero-click capabilities [1]. Many former Israeli cyber intelligence officers relocate to countries like Portugal, Spain, Greece, and Cyprus, creating a distributed network of expertise that supports the Mediterranean region’s emergence as a hub for digital security operations [3][5]. Israel ranks second only to the United States in cybersecurity investment per capita, reflecting the strategic importance of this sector to the nation’s security and economic interests [1].