A major security breach was discovered in the world’s most popular messaging app WhatsApp as its calling feature was being used to inject commercial spyware onto Android and iOS smartphones.
According to reports, the spyware, developed by Israel’s secretive NSO group, can be installed without a trace and without the target answering the call.
The spyware can turn on a phone’s camera and mic, scan emails and messages, and collect the user’s location data.
In a bid to prevent the users from the spyware, WhatsApp is urging its 1.5 billion global users to update the app immediately to close the security hole.
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“WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices. We are constantly working alongside industry partners to provide the latest security enhancements to help protect our users,” a WhatsApp Spokesperson said in an emailed response to NewsMobile.
HOW TO UPDATE WHATSAPP?
Android
Go to Play Store, then tap Menu > My apps & games.
Tap UPDATE next to WhatsApp Messenger.
iOS
Open the App Store > Tap “Updates” > Find WhatsApp Messenger and hit “Update”
What really happened?
Sources say, Earlier this month, WhatsApp identified and fixed vulnerability that could enable an attacker to insert and execute code on mobile devices.