Whatsapp have posted a security advisory acknowledging a security flaw within the app that allowed hackers to access people’s messages by sending a malicious video file. Although a fix has been issued, users who haven’t updated the app remain vulnerable to hackers. The attack is carried out through a video file sent by hackers, but Whatsapp have not revealed if the video needs to be opened for the hack to be executed.
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Updating apps on your phone is absolutely essential to help keep any new vulnerabilities patched. When developers update an app, they may not even mention the real reason for the change- but the golden rule is: if there is a newer version, you should update your app.
It doesn’t have to be laborious either. Updating apps can be an automated process and should be considered for all apps. Many people think that updates are inconvenient, pointless, or even menacing, but the truth is that they are usually designed to patch bugs and vulnerabilities that may harm your device or data.
Malicious actors are constantly thinking of ways to bypass security and to create new methods to break in and cause mayhem, so it is a constant battle for the developers to keep fighting back. The only way this can work is if users allow such updates on their devices at the earliest opportunity.