WorldTECH WATCH

Israeli ad firm helped spyware target Al Jazeera via ads

Researchers say DiscoverTech has for years helped spyware developers place hacking software on popular websites; the ad you skipped may have been the delivery truck.

On air: Hank Ledger on BBN This Morning
Published 6:32 AM ET, Thursday, October 15, 2026

At a glance

First reported by NBC News: “Israeli ad company helped a spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads, researchers say”.
Covered on BBN on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 6:32 AM ET on BBN This Morning, by Hank Ledger.
Topics: Israeli.

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

NBC NewsIsraeli ad company helped a spyware firm target Al Jazeera through online ads, researchers say

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorResearchers say an Israeli ad company, DiscoverTech, has for years secretly helped spyware developers place hacking software on popular websites, and Al Jazeera was reportedly targeted.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorCordell Vashti is a senior partner at Halvorsen Pike Strategic Advisory. Cordell, how does an ad end up carrying spyware?
Cordell VashtiAt the risk of stating the obvious, Hank, an ad is a delivery system. That insight is four thousand dollars an hour, by the way.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorSo the ad shows up on a normal website, and the spyware rides along. Is that a yes?
Cordell VashtiAt the risk of stating the obvious, a website is where people go. Visitors are the audience, and the audience is the opportunity.
Cordell VashtiThat's eight thousand, with my folder.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe folder.
Cordell VashtiIt's a leather invoice folder, Hank, and it stays closed. Clients value discretion, and discretion is our premium tier.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorBut let me ask you who those clients are. Does your firm advise any ad companies?
Cordell VashtiAt the risk of stating the obvious, a firm that advises everyone cannot name anyone.
Cordell VashtiI will say my clients love ads, and they love being unnamed. Twelve thousand.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorAre you saying yes?
Cordell VashtiIt's a billable maybe.
Cordell VashtiJournalists being watched through ordinary ads is a press freedom problem, which anyone could tell you for free, and I'm not anyone.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorLast question. What are you charging for this interview?
Cordell VashtiNothing, Hank, it's complimentary. And the invoice is already in the mail.