Cybersecurity experts are advising WhatsApp users to update their app asap after it was discovered hackers could install malicious code to user’s smart phones.
Facebook who owns the app had fixed the problem earlier this month however, a research group based at the university of Toronto, Citizen Lab has revealed they suspect a hacker made an attempt on Sunday.
Dr Budi Arief, a cybersecurity expert at the University of Kent said, “It demonstrates the importance of keeping your software updated.
“I’m not particularly surprised by this development, this happens all the time.
“This recent vulnerability bears a resemblance to the Apple FaceTime vulnerability discovered earlier this year.
“At this stage, it is too early to say whether there is any connection between the WhatsApp vulnerability and the FaceTime vulnerability.
“Software is a very complex system, it’s practically impossible to guarantee it is completely bug-free, there are always potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited.”
WhatsApp has around 1.5bn users globally has informed the US law enforcement to assist in an investigation.
A spokeswoman for WhatsApp said, “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.”
Leave a Comment