- May 16, 2019
WhatsApp Recently Discovered A Surveillance Attack.
WhatsApp has discovered a 'targeted' surveillance attack. This enabled hackers to remotely install surveillance software on phones and other devices. The attack has been targeted to a select number of users.
WhatsApp rolled out a fix for the same on Friday. However, on Monday WhatsApp has again urged people to update their apps as part of an added precaution. An Israeli firm NSO Group seemed to have developed the surveillance software.
HOW WAS THE SECURITY FLAW USED ?
The security flaw was wherein the attackers used WhatsApp's voice calling function to ring a target's device. The surveillance software got installed even when the phone was not picked up. WhatsApp's security team was the first to have identified the flaw.
WHO IS BEHIND THE SOFTWARE?
The NSO Group is said to be behind this software. It is an Israeli company which has been referred to as being "cyber-arms dealer".
WHO HAS BEEN TARGETED?
It is yet not known as to how many users have been actually affected by this attack.
WHAT ARE THE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS?
Some of the unanswered questions include the following:
a. HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE TARGETED?
b. DOES UPDATING WHATSAPP REMOVE THE SPYWARE?
c. WHAT COULD THE SPYWARE DO?
Read more at bbc.com