A particularly sneaky threat, because it does not imply any link on which click, nor any attachment to open. The smartphone can be compromised in a flash.
For several months, a critical security flaw has alerted WhatsApp users. The application, owned by Meta, was targeted by an attack of a level rarely reached. Experts speak of a “zero click” feat, in other words a hacking that does not require any action from the victim. A silent threat that worries specialists because it directly targets personal data stored on phones.
Alert signals have multiplied in recent weeks, especially for iPhone users. But according to the researchers, Android is not completely spared. WhatsApp confirmed that he had spotted the attack and broadcast a fix. The problem is that it only has an effect if the user applies a concrete measure himself. The company insists: ignore this gesture amounts to leaving its phone vulnerable to sophisticated espionage. Amnesty International, which closely follows spy software, talks about an “advanced campaign” in progress for at least three months.
The most exposed people are said to be so -called “high value” profiles: journalists, activists, lawyers or politicians. But the experts recall that no user is completely safe. “A zero click feat is a security flaw that can be triggered without the victim doing anything”, explained Adam Boynton, of the Cybersecurity Company Jamf, at the Daily Mail. These attacks, expensive to develop, are generally designed by very organized groups. They make it possible to discreetly introduce themselves into a device to collect identifiers, intercept messages, even install other malicious programs capable of launching heavier operations such as ransom.
The victims have no visible sign that their phone was compromised. WhatsApp now sends alerts directly to the application to people she suspects of having been targeted. One of the messages addressed to users specifies: “Our survey indicates that a malicious message may have been sent to you via WhatsApp (…). Although we do not know for sure that your device has been compromised, we wanted to inform you as a precaution so that you can take measures to secure your device and your information.”
This is why, to counter this attack as quickly as possible, experts strongly recommend updating the application in its latest available version. “Make sure to update your devices”, Summary Donncha ó Cearbhaill, director of the Amnesty International security laboratory. Without this step, your smartphone could become a real espionage tool: real -time location, listening to calls, recovery of passwords or even access to sensitive professional documents. You will understand, this simple click will protect you from any hacking. The opportunity also to notify your loved ones and also encourage them to perform the same operation.
