WhatsApp spyware attack: Here is how to fix your device

One of the most popular cross platform instant messaging service WhatsApp has been facing tough criticism over its inability curb fake news. But it has never been attacked by a spyware till now. However, the company has discovered a vulnerability on its service that could expose billions of WhatsApp users globally. The WhatsApp spyware attack could get access to your messages, call logs, photos, etc.

The most dangerous part of this spyware is that it infects the user’s device without giving a slightest hint that his/her device has been attacked. All it takes is just a WhatsApp voice call.

And yes, rejecting the call won’t work on this spyware. And the only way to protect your device is to update WhatsApp to its latest version that includes a patch to fix this vulnerability.

But, lets first understand what WhatsApp spyware attack is?

Last month, WhatsApp discovered in its voice call feature which allows a spyware to be installed automatically, even if you had not answered a call, and gains access to user’s call data, photos, etc. The spyware is developed by the Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO Group. The WhatsApp spyware attack infects app on both iPhones and Android devices.

According to a report by the Financial Times, NSO group has used Pegasus spyware which has the ability to turn on a phone’s camera or microphone to gain access to the phone’s data. While NSO has denied all such allegations of the attack, the company has said that it sells Pegasus spyware to state intelligence agencies and others.

Almost all the users using the messaging service including India are vulnerable to WhatsApp spyware attack. The company has also issued a statement to Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) committee informing cyber security experts about the WhatsApp spyware attack.

If you are using WhatsApp for Android v2.19.134 or older, WhatsApp Business for Android v2.19.4 or older, WhatsApp for iOS v2.19.51 older, WhatsApp Business for iOS v2.19.51 or older, WhatsApp for Windows Phone v2.18.348 or older, and WhatsApp for Tizen v2.18.15 or older, you are vulnerable to WhatsApp spyware attack.

How can you fix WhatsApp spyware attack?

While the company is still investigating the issue, in the meantime, it has rolled out an update globally to secure its servers. The company has also rolled out an update to fix this issue.

The company has asked its users worldwide to update the app to its latest version to safeguard themselves from this attack.