WhatsApp Spyware Which Put Photos, Messages, E-Mails At Risk Found, Software Update Released

WhatsApp has detected spyware that is capable of capturing information from your phone and can affect both the iPhone and Android reports India Today. The spyware bug that can install itself through a simple WhatsApp call can collect your data from call logs, emails, messages, photos etc.

The bug was discovered earlier this month by WhatsApp who released a software update to secure its servers on Friday (10 May) and released a security patch to its users on Monday (13 May).

The company in a statement said, “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.”

The code developed by an Israeli cyber intelligence company NSO and can be transmitted to your phone even if you have not answered the call. After installing itself, it can disappear from your call log making it impossible to know of the call and the bug installed.

The affected versions of WhatsApp include WhatsApp for Android v2.19.134 and before, WhatsApp Business for Android v2.19.44 and before, WhatsApp for iOS v2.19.51 and before, WhatsApp Business for iOS v2.19.51 and before, WhatsApp for Windows Phone v2.18.348 and before, and WhatsApp for Tizen v2.18.15 and before.

Users with the above version of the software are advised by WhatsApp to immediately upgrade their apps to the latest available version on the respective app stores.

The software was allegedly developed by the Israeli company to spy on a UK based lawyer who has helped a Mexican journalist, Israeli government critics and a man from Saudi Arabia to sue NSO in the past.