News
WhatsApp urges users to upgrade app after report of spyware attack
Facebook’s WhatsApp on Tuesday urged users to upgrade to the latest version of its popular messaging app following a report that users could be vulnerable to having malicious spyware installed on phones without their knowledge.
“WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date.
“The upgrade will protect app against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices,”
a spokesman said.“We are constantly working alongside industry partners to provide the latest security enhancements to help protect our users.”
The Financial Times reported that vulnerability in WhatsApp allowed attackers to inject spyware on phones by ringing up targets
using the app’s phone call function.
It said the spyware was developed by Israeli cyber surveillance company NSO Group.
Asked about the report, NSO said its technology was licensed to authorised government agencies “for the sole purpose
of fighting crime and terror,” and that it does not operate the system itself.
“We investigate any credible allegations of misuse and if necessary, we take action, including shutting down the system.
Under no circumstances would NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology, which is solely
operated by intelligence and law enforcement agencies,” the company said.“NSO would not or could not use its technology in its own right to target any person or organisation, including
this individual.”
(Reuters/NAN)
-
Metro19 hours ago
Four-year-old boy dies while eating in Abuja school
-
Metro20 hours ago
Lagos destroys shops in Ajah market, arrests two traders
-
Metro19 hours ago
Ogun police arrest two ‘one chance’ robbers
-
News21 hours ago
Blackout: Ogun vows repairs of poles destroyed by heavy rain
-
News22 hours ago
Gombe residents lament 48 hours blackout
-
News22 hours ago
Hadi Sirika spends second night in EFCC custody over money laundering probe
-
News14 hours ago
US court overturn ex-Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction
-
Metro14 hours ago
Mother, child electrocuted in Ogun market