With technologies like end-to-end encryption, WhatsApp is usually considered a safe cross-platform instant messaging app that works on almost any device. However, a new report from Cybernews suggests that someone has managed to hack WhatsApp and has stolen the personal data of around 500 million users, which is allegedly available for purchase.
According to the report, an actor posted an ad in a hacking community forum to sell the data of over 487 million WhatsApp users, including their mobile numbers. The listing also claims that data consists of users from 84 different countries and includes user data of 32 million users from the USA.
The list of compromised data also contains user data from countries like Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, France, and Turkey. It is also interesting that the list does not have any user data from India. One can buy the US database of WhatsApp users for $7,000 while the UK and Germany’s database is priced at $2,500 and $2,000, respectively.
When cybernews requested a sample, the hacker shared a small set of data that contains user data of 1097 phone numbers from the US and 817 phone numbers from the UK. These leaked phone numbers could be used for phishing and fraudulent activities and can also be used for impersonation.
As of now, Meta has not responded to this update. It is currently speculated that the WhatsApp data of around 500 million has been obtained using web scraping or web harvesting, where, an automated data tool is used to collect data from a specific service, which violates WhatsApp’s terms of service.
They can select the contacts within the privacy settings. Voice notes shared to WhatsApp status update will be end-to-end encrypted, the report says.
This upcoming WhatsApp feature is under development not only for iOS users, but also for Android users. The ability to share a voice note to status update will be available in a future update.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a Screen Lock feature that will ask for a password every time any user opens the application. It will bring an additional layer of security to WhatsApp and protect unauthorized access when the user is not using his/her device running WhatsApp. According to the WaBetaInfo report, the feature is currently under development and is expected to be released to some beta testers in the future.
One of the most widely-used communication platforms, WhatsApp has more than a billion users. To enable fun and helpful conversations between its users, the app regularly adds new features. However, there are some third-party apps that enable many other use-cases on WhatsApp that users otherwise cannot do. These include automating messages, reading deleted messages and much more. Here are ten such third-party apps that could change how you use WhatsApp.
According to the report, WhatsApp has released the beta for Windows 2.2246.4.0 update on the Microsoft Store which brings the ability to manage call history within the desktop app itself. This means that the feature is currently available for desktop beta users only.
Sharing a screenshot, the report shows a new calls tab that opens up when you use WhatsApp. In the new tab, users can see the list of their call history within WhatsApp’s desktop app. They will also be able to access information about the call by opening the call card. “Since this app is a beta version, the call history may not immediately be in sync with the one on your mobile device", the report says. In fact, calls placed from the native desktop app may not show up on your phone, it further adds. The issue is likely to be addressed in a future release.
In other news, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature for its desktop users. Called the Screen Lock, the feature will ask for a password every time any user opens the application. It will bring an additional layer of security to WhatsApp and protect unauthorized access when the user is not using his/her device running WhatsApp. According to the WaBetaInfo report, the feature is currently under development and is expected to be released to some beta testers in the future.
You must be logged in to post a comment.