WhatsApp warn against security breach - here's how to stay protected

Users are being warned to update the app

WhatsApp
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 14th May 2019

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."

WhatsApp

"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:

  1. Tap on the App Store icon
  2. Tap the Updates button
  3. Find WhatsApp
  4. Click Update

On an Android device

  1. Tap on the Play Store icon
  2. Tap on the Menu button
  3. Find the My apps and games section
  4. 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

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

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.

Download our heat Radio app on iOS.