WhatsApp vulnerability allowed hackers to install spyware on users' phones
WhatsApp is pushing an update after disclosing a vulnerability that exposed users to hackers.
The app's calling function was used by hackers to install spyware on the phones of a number of users believed to be in the dozens at least, CBS News reports. Affected users would receive a call or two from an unknown number, and even if they didn't pick it up, this was enough for the spyware to be installed, NBC News reports.
The Financial Times first reported on the story and pointed to the Israeli firm NSO Group, which previously developed software reportedly used to spy on journalist Jamal Khashoggi, as being behind the spyware. WhatsApp did not specifically identify NSO Group but said the hackers had "all the hallmarks of a private company that works with a number of governments around the world." A spokesperson for WhatsApp also told The Associated Press, "We're certainly not refuting any of the coverage you've seen."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
NSO Group said in a statement its technology would not be used "in its own right to target any person or organization."
WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook, says it shared information with law enforcement and fixed the vulnerability on Sunday, but it's still encouraging all of its more than 1.5 billion users to update to the latest version. An expert with the watchdog group Citizen Lab told NBC this was a "very scary vulnerability," especially because "there's nothing a user could have done here, short of not having the app."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Magazine interactive crossword - April 26, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine solutions - April 26, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - April 26, 2024
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - April 26, 2024
By The Week US Published
-
Post Office's Capture software to be reviewed over 'glitches'
Speed Read Solicitor representing accused postmasters says flaws in the IT system follow 'very similar pattern' to Horizon
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Brazil accuses Musk of 'disinformation campaign'
Speed Read A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk and X
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney board fends off Peltz infiltration bid
Speed Read Disney CEO Bob Iger has defeated activist investor Nelson Peltz in a contentious proxy battle
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Visa and Mastercard agree to lower swipe fees
Speed Read The companies will cap the fees they charge businesses when customers use their credit cards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Reddit IPO values social media site at $6.4 billion
Speed Read The company makes its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Housing costs: the root of US economic malaise?
speed read Many voters are troubled by the housing affordability crisis
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published