If you believe you’re safe because you use an iPhone (widely known for its strong security) against hacking threats, then this news is for you. WhatsApp identified a security issue in its app related to a bug in iOS and iPadOS. This is a serious concern because it could allow hackers to target Apple devices specifically. According to Apple, over 1.382 billion consumers are actively using iPhones, which hold 17% of the global smartphone market share. At least 3 out of 10 people use an iPhone. Having said all that, should you panic? Probably not. But should you stay cautious? 100%. How exactly? Learn more.
How Did the Attack Work?
- Basically, the bug in WhatsApp was linked with another bug in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS (the software that runs your iPhones and iPads).
- Working with these two bugs combined, the hackers could break into Apple devices and steal important information.
Who Was Affected?
- Well, attackers didn’t target everyone, which is good news. According to WhatsApp, only 200 users or fewer were affected.
- The hackers only attacked “specific targeted users,” meaning the general public was off their radar. Notably, the identity of the person (or a spyware company/vendor) behind the attack remains unknown.
How Long Did It Go On?
In a post on the platform ‘X,’ a researcher at Amnesty Security Lab, Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, mentioned that this had been going on for 3 months.
He also stated that other apps may have been affected by the bug in iOS and iPadOS. However, no confirmation came from the other apps so far.
Was the Issue Fixed?
Soon after detecting the issue, WhatsApp duly patched (fixed) the problem in its app. In the meantime, Apple also admitted that there was, in fact, a vulnerability in its iOS and iPadOS. The issues are fixed as of now.
How Should You Safeguard Yourself?
Although you weren’t targeted, it doesn’t mean you should let this slip through your mind. It is better to be safe than sorry, and here’s how you can do it.
Keep Everything Updated
As soon as the updates are released, update your apps and devices’ software (iOS/Android). Why? Well, these updates come with security patches that close all the loopholes through which hackers can come in.
Download Apps Only From Official Stores
Don’t download anything from suspicious sites. Stick to the Google Play Store if you use Android, and the App Store if you are an Apple user. What you need to avoid are third-party stores, links, or “cracked” apps, as they can hide malware.
Turn On Automatic Updates
Here’s how you can keep your updates on an automatic mode, so you don’t have to check back every time:
- On iOS: Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic Updates.
- On Android Devices: Google Play Store → Settings → Auto-update apps.
- On WhatsApp: You can enable auto-update in the app store directly.
Check Your Device Regularly
There are other signs whenever something goes wrong (Spyware works silently, but you can still spot it), and you should take them as a red flag:
- Phone feels unusually hot
- Battery draining fast
- Data usage spikes
Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Turn it on immediately (this is a no-brainer): Settings → Account → Two-step verification.
- Do the same for all other crucial apps like email, Instagram, Banking apps, and so on.
Others…
- Restart your phone daily, because the spyware tools get disabled or at least weakened when you reboot the device.
- Limit App Permission, especially the privacy and security-related ones. Think, why would a calculator need access to your location?
- Don’t click or respond to unknown messages, links, or, for that matter, calls.
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