WhatsApp warn against security breach - here's how to stay protected
Users are being warned to update the app
Popular messaging app WhatsApp is warning its users to update to the latest version of the app after it's emerged that hackers may be able to listen in to calls made through the app. The security flaw in older versions of WhatsApp reportedly allows hackers to install spyware onto both iPhones and Android devices allowing them to tap into calls.
According to the Financial Times, a code can be transmitted, even if the user doesn't answer the phone. When the spyware is installed on the phone it can then allow hackers to listen in to calls, which are made through WhatsApp's voice function.
It's not yet clear who is behind the attack, however WhatsApp told the Financial Times, "We believe a select number of users were targeted through this vulnerability by an advanced cyber actor."
"This attack has all the hallmarks of a private company known to work with governments to deliver spyware that reportedly takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems."
So, if you are one of the 300 million people who use WhatsApp daily, here's how you should stay protected. WhatsApp has now released an update, available through the App Store and Google Play.
Here's how to download the latest version of WhatsApp
On an iPhone or Apple device:
- Tap on the App Store icon
- Tap the Updates button
- Find WhatsApp
- Click Update
On an Android device
- Tap on the Play Store icon
- Tap on the Menu button
- Find the My apps and games section
- Find WhatsApp and tap the Update button
Now take a look a some celebrities you should follow on Snapchat:
Lewis Capaldi
@LewisCapaldi
Calvin Harris
@CalvinHarris
Liam Payne
@liampayne
Perrie Edwards
@perriesnap
Ed Sheeran
@teddysdaytoday
Kylie Jenner
@KylizzleMyNizzl
Harry Styles
@ h.estyles
Ariana Grande
@moonlightbae
Taylor Swift
@taylorswift
Justin Bieber
@RickTheSizzler
Chris Pratt
@chrisprattsnap
Jesy Nelson
@jesynels
Miley Cyrus
@mileycyrus
Rihanna
@rihanna
Niall Horan
@niallhoran
Jade Thirlwall
@justjadeamelia
Kendall Jenner
@kenjen
Zayn Malik
@zayn
Lady Gaga
@ladygaga
Kim Kardashian
@KimKardashian
Leigh-Anne Pinnock
@leigh-annepinn
Selena Gomez
@SelenaGomez
Vicky Pattison
@vickypattison1
Shawn Mendes
@shawnmendes
Jamie Laing
@jamielaing
Craig David
@craigdavid
Chris Hughes
@hchris22
Charlotte Crosby
@clc_17
Usher
@howusnap
Kem Cetinay
@kemcatinay
Phillip Schofield
@phillipschofe
Gemma Collins
@gemcqueen
Louis Tomlinson
@balmain28
David Guetta
@davidguettaoff
Cara Delevingne
@caradevilqueen
Amber Davies
@amber_davies7
Ferne McCann
@fernemccann
Gigi Hadid
@itsgigihadid
Sam Faiers
@samfaiers1
Ryan Gosling
@rygosg1980
Megan McKenna
@megan-mckenna
Zac Efron
@zacefron87
Kourtney Kardashian
@kourtneykardash
Nick Jonas
@jicknonas
If you’re a sucker for the Spice Girls and love a bit of One Direction, you need heat Radio in your life. We’re online at heatradio.com. You can still get us on the free app on your Android, iPhone or tablet. Tune in on Freeview channel 716 on the telly or get us on your smart speaker by asking it to “play heat radio.”
Download our heat Radio app on Android.