Update WhatsApp Now, Or Hackers Will Install Spyware On Your Phone With A Missed Call

A major percentage of Indians use WhatsApp as their primary texting app, and they spend a lot of time on it.

So itĄ¯s worrisome to hear that a vulnerability has been uncovered that uses WhatsApp to spy on someone' s phone. And itĄ¯s pretty easy to infect with too.

According to The Financial Times, there's currently a spyware program doing the rounds across the world. Developed by Israel's secretive NSO group, it's used largely to spy on activists, journalists, and detractors of the government.

The worst part though is how the spyware can be installed. The perpetrators don't need physical access to your phone, for you to connect to a compromised public Wi-Fi, or even for you to click a link. All it takes is a simple WhatsApp call to the target. Even if you don't answer the call, it doesn't matter, as the spyware can still infect your smartphone.

WhatsApp hack and spyware install

Once installed, the spyware can turn on the phone's camera and mic at will, scan the emails and messages, and even siphon location data. Basically everything you'd need to keep tabs on a person. As such, WhatsApp has rushed out a fix for the app, and is urging all of its 1.5 billion users worldwide to update to the latest version.

"WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices," WhatsApp said in a statement.

The vulnerability was actually discovered earlier this month, but the spyware has been active until as recently as this week. On Sunday, it was used to target a UK-based human rights lawyer according to researchers at Citizens Lab. WhatsApp did manage to block that attack, and are currently investigating the situation further. However, they have no estimate of how many phones may have been affected by this exploit.

"This attack has all the hallmarks of a private company known to work with governments to deliver spyware that reportedly takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems," WhatsApp told The Financial Times. "We have briefed a number of human rights organizations to share the information we can, and to work with them to notify civil society."

Pegasus, as the spyware in question is called is sold by NSO to governments and law enforcement agencies around the world. Supposedly, it's meant to help fight terrorism and crime. In reality though, it's incredibly easy to abuse and spy on innocent civilians.

Researchers estimate the spyware has been used by as many as 45 countries to surveil dissidents, journalists, and others.