If you or your employees use WhatsApp, you should be aware of a recent security vulnerability that could put your company at risk.
The WhatsApp security flaw allows hackers to control devices remotely and spy on user activity. WhatsApp patched the flaw, meaning updated devices are not in danger, but the cyberattack worries security experts because it could infect anyone with the popular application on their devices.
What Happened, and What Does It Mean for Your Company?
Citizen Lab, a group of researchers focused on tracking cyber threats, discovered the WhatsApp security flaw. Hackers used a vulnerability to deploy Graphite malware in a “zero-click” attack. The victim didn’t have to open any messages, click on any links, or interact with the app to get infected.
Hackers launched attacks by obtaining victims’ phone numbers and adding them to a WhatsApp group. They would then send an infected PDF to the group. Because devices automatically process these files, the user doesn’t have to do anything for the malware to compromise the device and give attackers access to everything.
What Does This Mean for You?
The WhatsApp security flaw puts everyone who uses the app at risk. Anyone in your company who relies on it for internal or external communication could fall victim to one of these attacks, giving hackers access to your company’s sensitive business conversations, files, or even private data.
Although the recent incident focused on a specific high-profile group of people, similar attacks have the potential to devastate your business. A hacker accessing your account could lead to a data breach, theft of valuable intellectual property, or even the manipulation of conversations for deepfake attacks.
WhatsApp Immediately Addressed the Issue
Security experts say the only way to avoid being a victim of this particular security flaw was not to have the app. WhatsApp quickly fixed the issue, releasing an update to close the hole and prevent further flaw exploitation. If you haven’t updated your WhatsApp yet, it’s a good idea to do so immediately.
WhatsApp also assured users that they would continue to monitor and patch flaws to keep the platform secure.
Protect Your Business From Spyware and More
WhatsApp fixed this issue, but you can do more to protect your business, including:
- Keep apps updated: Developers constantly improve security, so update your apps regularly to keep your device safe from security threats.
- Be careful with unknown contacts: Take caution when you get a message from a contact you don’t recognize.
- Use two-factor authentication: WhatsApp offers extra protection through two-factor authentication (2FA), which can thwart a bad actor from being able to log into your device.
- Implement additional security measures: Encryption or features like WhatsApp’s “Disappearing Messages” should be used for sensitive business communications to keep information from the wrong hands.
Stay on Top of App Security To Protect Your Company
This WhatsApp security flaw may not directly threaten your business, but it should remind you that no app is entirely immune to cyberattacks. Stay vigilant about your business’s cybersecurity, and take the necessary steps to secure your data and communications.
