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The messaging service popularly known as WhatsApp though known for its end-to-end encryption has been hacked. The hackers have access to phones though a remotely installed spyware without the knowledge of the target surveillance. They implanted a malware that was able to penetrate victims’ phones by placing voice calls through the App.
In a statement, WhatsApp stated that “the attack has all the hallmark of a private company reportedly that works with government to deliver spyware that takes over the functions of mobile phones operating systems.” Although, WhatsApp did not mention of the private company, but a source acquainted with the investigation stated that the company is the NSO group.
The NSO group is an Israeli technology firm focused on Cyber intelligence that developed a piece of malware designed to spy on its victims. NSO told CNN “under no circumstance would NSO be involved in the operating or identifying of targets of its technology, which is solely operated by intelligence law enforcement agencies for the sole purpose of fighting crime and terror.”
The targeted users by the spyware are just some few dozen which are activists, journalists, human rights, defenders, dissidents, lawyers, among which a human rights lawyer based in London was amid the targets. John Scott-Railton told CNN “The collaboration between WhatsApp and Citizen Lab helped identify the attempted attack on the London-based lawyer. The lawyer does not want to be named.”
Basically, such type of hacking is done with the support of a government. Several alleged targets are currently suing NSO in an Israeli court over the alleged hacking.
WhatsApp that has more than 1.5billion users encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of the app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices.” Cyber-expert Nabil Hannan said “The risk with this incident is that any WhatsApp user, based on their phone number, could technically be targeted” which is why there is the need for every user to upgrade to the latest version.
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WhatsApp: Hackers penetrate victims" phones - Daily Trust
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