If you use WhatsApp, you should ensure that you’re running the absolute latest version. Because if you’re not, the potential exists for you to be spied on according to the BBC:
Hackers were able to remotely install surveillance software on phones and other devices using a major vulnerability in messaging app WhatsApp, it has been confirmed.
WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, said the attack targeted a “select number” of users, and was orchestrated by “an advanced cyber actor”.
A fix was rolled out on Friday.
On Monday, WhatsApp urged all of its 1.5 billion users to update their apps as an added precaution.
To ensure that you’re safe from this exploit, you need to be running at least either of the following:
- If you’re on team Android, the latest WhatsApp version is 2.19.134
- If you’re on team Apple, the latest WhatsApp version is 2.19.51
Other specific details of this exploit are still unknown. But the people behind this are likely The NSO Group who are known to be selling software that takes advantage of exploits like these to allow for cyber attacks on journalists, dissidents and activists. They of course won’t take responsibility for this. But you can bet now that this exploit is closed, they are looking for others to take advantage of.