Important WhatsApp update protects your phone from surveillance software.
WhatsApp have urged all of its 1.5 billion users to install a crucial update that they released on Friday after they discovered a major vulnerability in the apps voice calling function.
The vulnerability allows criminals to install surveillance software and spyware onto targets phone when using the WhatsApp calling function. It does not matter if the target answers the phone or not, criminals are still able to install the malware onto their targets device.
WhatsApp admitted to discovering the vulnerability themselves less than a month ago and have been working with human rights groups, selected security vendors and the US Department of Justice to limit the damage.
Now that the vulnerability has been patched, they will be completing a full investigation to find out what users devices have been compromised. WhatsApp believe that given the circumstances of the vulnerability the attack was only used on “a select number of users” including human rights organisations and a UK-based lawyer, however it could still be adapted more widely unless users update the app to the latest version.
To ensure that you are protected from the WhatsApp vulnerability it is imperative that everyone installs the latest WhatsApp update which can be found in your smartphones applications store. To ensure you are protected from all known security vulnerabilities and bugs it is imperative that you keep all your devices consistently up to date along with any applications and programs you have installed on them.
To check for application updates on your iPhone, go to the AppStore and select ‘Updates’ at the bottom. To completely update your iPhone go to ‘Settings’, ‘General’, ‘Software Update’.
To check for application updates on your Android device visit the PlayStore app, select ‘Menu’ and see selected updates. To completely update your Android device select ‘Settings’, ‘About Phone’ and then ‘Check for updates’.