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:
RADIO Celebs you have to follow on Snapchat
1 of 44Lewis Capaldi
@LewisCapaldi
2 of 44Calvin Harris
@CalvinHarris
3 of 44Liam Payne
@liampayne
4 of 44Perrie Edwards
@perriesnap
5 of 44Ed Sheeran
@teddysdaytoday
6 of 44Kylie Jenner
@KylizzleMyNizzl
7 of 44Harry Styles
@ h.estyles
8 of 44Ariana Grande
@moonlightbae
9 of 44Taylor Swift
@taylorswift
10 of 44Justin Bieber
@RickTheSizzler
11 of 44Chris Pratt
@chrisprattsnap
12 of 44Jesy Nelson
@jesynels
13 of 44Miley Cyrus
@mileycyrus
14 of 44Rihanna
@rihanna
15 of 44Niall Horan
@niallhoran
16 of 44Jade Thirlwall
@justjadeamelia
17 of 44Kendall Jenner
@kenjen
18 of 44Zayn Malik
@zayn
19 of 44Lady Gaga
@ladygaga
20 of 44Kim Kardashian
@KimKardashian
21 of 44Leigh-Anne Pinnock
@leigh-annepinn
22 of 44Selena Gomez
@SelenaGomez
23 of 44Vicky Pattison
@vickypattison1
24 of 44Shawn Mendes
@shawnmendes
25 of 44Jamie Laing
@jamielaing
26 of 44Craig David
@craigdavid
27 of 44Chris Hughes
@hchris22
28 of 44Charlotte Crosby
@clc_17
29 of 44Usher
@howusnap
30 of 44Kem Cetinay
@kemcatinay
31 of 44Phillip Schofield
@phillipschofe
32 of 44Gemma Collins
@gemcqueen
33 of 44Louis Tomlinson
@balmain28
34 of 44David Guetta
@davidguettaoff
35 of 44Cara Delevingne
@caradevilqueen
36 of 44Amber Davies
@amber_davies7
37 of 44Ferne McCann
@fernemccann
38 of 44Gigi Hadid
@itsgigihadid
39 of 44Sam Faiers
@samfaiers1
40 of 44Ryan Gosling
@rygosg1980
41 of 44Megan McKenna
@megan-mckenna
42 of 44Zac Efron
@zacefron87
43 of 44Kourtney Kardashian
@kourtneykardash
44 of 44Nick Jonas
@jicknonas
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