The actions are the first major initiative on spyware since Biden issued an executive order restricting on government use of surveillance software.

At least 50 devices belonging to U.S. personnel have been targeted by commercial spyware.

The surveillance-for-hire industry is growing quickly as new firms crop up around the globe to meet market demand.

The lawsuit is the third against the Israeli firm in the U.S., but the first brought by journalists.

The prospect of an executive order limiting use of spyware within U.S. intelligence unleashes potentially even more debate in Washington.

The former intelligence operatives worked in a hacking unit of the cybersecurity firm DarkMatter, which is known for developing spyware.

The company announced layoffs and a reorganization on Sunday, but spyware researchers doubt that will reduce the use of its technology.

Spyware such as NSO Group-produced Pegasus is proliferating quickly and poses a threat to privacy and national security, experts said.

The crackdown on foreign commercial surveillance comes in the wake of high-profile attacks on diplomats and government officials abroad.

An Apple representative said that the company has alerted potential victims of highly targeted mercenary spyware in 150 countries.