Recent reports of Whatsapp being hacked from “spyware” is making the rounds on the Internet and is new trouble of Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook. After a bad 2018 for Facebook dealing with its Privacy Issues and how crucial user data was misused and compromise resulted in the loss of faith for customers from the blue brand.2019 was expected to be better but Major security bug in Facebook’s owned Messaging Service has created negative publicity for the Enterprise again.
The Spyware is viral and is spreading through different phones like Android, Apple IOS, Windows Phone, and Tizen Phones. It is a major issue of concern as Whatsapp is used by 1.5 Billion Users WorldWide.
A vulnerability in the popular Facebook-owned messaging service has been discovered that allows hackers to install spyware through an infected WhatsApp voice call.
The spyware is capable of trawling through calls, texts, and other data, activating and accessing the phone’s camera and microphone, and performing other malicious activities. In such a manner, it can access Confidential Data on Users and can be used as a notorious tool for Surveillance.
According to the Financial Times, Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO Group developed the spyware.
The number of known targets who have been affected by this spyware is not known yet and analysis is still underway. Reports say that a UK-based human rights lawyer and an Amnesty International Researcher have been identified. Those working in Areas where sensitive data is handled are probable targets. If you haven’t received a Whatsapp Call from an unknown Number then you are Safe.
The only response from Whatsapp regarding this crisis is that it is urging its Users to install the latest version of Whatsapp which is equipped with the latest security and bug fixes.
If you are an Android User:
- Open the Google Play Store Application on your Android mobile device.
- Tap the menu.
- Open the “My Apps & Games” tab.
- Look for the “Updates Pending” section. If your WhatsApp requires an update, it will be listed there. Tap “Update” and allow your device to install the latest version.
- If your app has already been updated, there will be no update button, just one that reads “Open”. No further action is required.
- If you have difficulty finding WhatsApp, search for it in the Play Store
- Ensure you are running the latest version: 2.19.134
If you are an iOS User:
- Open the App Store on your mobile device
- Hit the tab “Updates” along the bottom right
- If your WhatsApp has not been updated, a button will appear reading “Update”. Tap and allow your device to install the latest version.
- If your app has been updated, there will be no update button, just one that reads “Open”. No further action is required.
- If you have difficulty finding WhatsApp, search for it using the search tab on the bottom right
- Ensure you are running the latest version: 2.19.51
