The WhatsApp bug that lets hackers access your files
WhatApp users are being urged to update their app to avoid a security bug that compromises user chat history and files.
The hack allows hackers to take over the app when a user opens a malicious GIF image as an attachment or through other channels.
When the user opens their WhatsApp Gallery, the bug in the malicious GIF will be triggered and the hacker will have access to their WhatsApp messages, files, photos, videos and more.
Tech blog Awakened reported that devices running Android 8.1 and 9.0 were vulnerable to the attack, while versions of the operating system below 8.0 were not.
In response to the report, WhatsApp’s owner Facebook released a vulnerability patch in the messaging app’s new 2.19.244 version.
“This issue was reported and quickly addressed,” a WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement. “We have no reason to believe this affected any users, though of course we are always working to provide the latest security features to our users.”
To update WhatsApp to the latest version, iPhone users should go to the App Store, select updates and then tap update next to the messenger icon.
Android users should go to the Play Store, tap on menu and then select “My apps & games” before picking WhatsApp and clicking on the Update button.