WhatsApp users could get infected by spyware through a phone call

A report by The Financial Times (via The Verge) on Tuesday revealed that WhatsApp was recently exposed to spyware capable of accessing phone functions and user data through a simple phone call.

The spyware, which was reportedly developed by Israeli cyber intelligence group NSO, was able to install itself on devices through WhatsApp calls.

Both Android and iOS devices were vulnerable to the attack, which WhatsApp claims to have discovered a few weeks ago.

“WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date,” WhatsApp said in a statement to The Financial Times.

The company has not revealed how many users were exposed to the spyware.

“We have briefed a number of human rights organizations to share the information we can, and to work with them to notify civil society,” it also noted.

According to the report, the spyware was able to access emails, messages and location data, as well as turn on mics and cameras.

Feature image: Shereesa Moodley/Memeburn