Update this app immediately to stop hackers accessing your device

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Update this app immediately to stop hackers accessing your device

4 yrs ago

Users of free Facebook-owned messaging service WhatsApp are being urged to update the app immediately after the discovery of a security bug that allows hackers to take over their phone simply by calling it. The recipient does not even have to answer for the spyware to be installed.

This then allows the hackers to trawl through calls, texts and other data, activate the phone’s camera and microphone and perform other malicious activities.

The Guardian reports that if you haven’t received any WhatsApp voice calls or dropped calls from unknown parties then you probably have not been targeted.

Facebook pushed out updates for the various smartphone WhatsApp versions on Monday and users are strongly advised to check for updates manually through the Apple App Store on an iPhone, Google Play or similar on an Android device, the Microsoft Store on Windows Phones and the Galaxy app store on Tizen devices.

Failing that, the advice is to uninstall WhatsApp.

Remember, the older your software, the more vulnerable your device is to attack from cyber criminals.

8 comments

Thanks. Uninstalled and will leave it that way for the present.

On the Ball

4 yrs ago

Ditto. But the article does mention that if yu have been called or had missed calls the spyware/virus may already be install on your phone.

What the article DOESN'T say is how to get rid of that SPYWARE ot VIRUS.

pedro the swift

4 yrs ago

Uh, whats an"'app"?

Hope this explains it.

https://www.lifewire.com/what-are-apps-1616114

MICK

4 yrs ago

Whatsup? What's that? Ok....I know, but never used it after I read what you have to surrender in order to do so.

I use my phone just as a phone, thereby avoiding this problem.

good for you, a cautious old dear, lol

etc1

4 yrs ago

Does anyone know what version the new update is?

iday

4 yrs ago

The latest update is Version 2.19.134. The ones in danger are those who have prior to this version.

1) Is there any way this thread can be moved to the Tech section?

2) I am wondering too if some of us might benefit from a regular discussion on apps, the worthwhile ones we have found, what to dispense with and what wrinkles to expect and overcome? What one is best, as in most practical, simple-as and less needing constant tweaking, that many of us might find useful.

3) I was not properly tuned in for a conversation lately on one that is simple and effective for photoing documents, business cards and the like. So as a starter maybe someone here has one s/he uses.

RnR

4 yrs ago

Update this app immediately to stop hackers accessing your device

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