WhatsApp Discovers Major Security Loophole

WhatsApp Discovers Major Security Loophole

Here's what you need to know about WhatsApp's major security flaw.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • May 16, 2019

The team at WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned messaging platform which has surpassed 1.5 billion users around the world, says a major security loophole was exploited by an Israeli-based group that has a history of working with governments to steal data and spy on citizens.

An article by TechCrunch explained the vulnerability as a, "bug in the audio call feature of the app to allow the caller to enable the installation of spyware on the device being called, whether the call was answered or not."

There's no word yet on how many users were targeted by the attack, but WhatsApp says they believe it is a relatively small group. A fix for the problem was rolled out within 10 days of its discovery. The messaging app is urging all users to update to the latest version of the app to eliminate any further concern.

Craig Young, computer security researcher for Tripwire's VERT (Vulnerability and Exposure Research Team), said that an attack like this should have been somewhat expected.

"A compromised smart phone is a veritable treasure trove for spies looking to infiltrate a target," Young said. "Consider that WhatsApp surpassed 1.5 billion installs over a year ago, it should come as no surprise to anyone that sophisticated adversaries like NSO group are investing resources to develop exploits for it."

Attacks like these have played out in similar messaging services like Apple's iMessage and Google Hangouts, according to Young. He offered up a few tips for organizations hoping to avoid an attack like WhatsApp suffered.

“Organizations concerned about such targeted attacks should be taking extra precautions to limit what data including emails, messages, and account credentials are stored on devices," Young said. "In some cases, it makes sense to have multiple devices for multiple purposes and to restrict the ability to bring phones to sensitive meetings or locations.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.