BACKGROUND:
As reported by Metro, WhatsApp, the most popular messaging app in the world, is about to stop working on thousands of phones. The app is set to stop support for older phones around the world on November 1, 2021. It will cease to function on up to 43 different smartphone models as it shifts the requirements for the Android and iOS operating systems.
In the FAQ section on its website, WhatsApp says people should use phones running Android version OS 4.1 or iPhones running iOS 10 and newer. If you haven’t updated your system software recently, then you may well escape having to upgrade. But a few select devices – of which there could be thousands still being used – will lose security and feature updates.
<p>Although there is a frustration for people who feel they are constantly having to upgrade their phones, it is important to innovate and push security updates which can often mean stopping supporting apps on older phone models. </p>
<p>In an ideal world security updates would go on forever, but the complexity of operating systems and apps involved would require constant ongoing support which soon becomes an impossible task. Developers have long struggled to keep their apps secure across multiple devices but when older phones are thrown into the mix it makes this security far more difficult. </p>
<p>Malicious actors are continually targeting older phone and the protection of these devices is paramount. Using older, out of date devices causes a severe risk to your phone and data so it is vital they are updated to the latest security patches and all apps are up to date. Once such security updates are no longer available, the device instantly becomes a risk and should be used cautiously.</p>