Ways to hack WhatsApp you should know

If you are using WhatsApp to communicate with people, you really need to know the ways to attack WhatsApp below to promptly prevent.

WhatsApp is a popular and easy to use messaging application. It has a number of security features, like end-to-end encryption to protect your privacy. However, the privacy of messages and contacts on WhatsApp can still be affected by being targeted by bad guys. Here are 5 ways to "hack" WhatsApp you need to know.

1. Run code remotely via GIF

Ways to hack WhatsApp you should know
Gif images make a hole for hackers to attack you when using WhatsApp

In October 2019, security researcher Awakened revealed a flaw in WhatsApp that allowed hackers to control applications via GIFs. This method takes advantage of the way WhatsApp processes images when users open Gallery view to send media files.

When that happens, the application parses the GIF to show the file preview window. GIF files are special because they have multiple encoded frames. This gives the opportunity for the "malicious" code to hide in the image. If a hacker sends a malicious GIF to the user, they can penetrate the victim's entire chat history. Hackers will know who the message is sent to and how it is delivered. Bad guys also see files, photos, and videos sent via the user's WhatsApp.

This flaw has affected WhatsApp since versions 2.19,230 and earlier on Android 8.1 and 9. Fortunately, Awakened has exposed this flaw and Facebook - the "father" of WhatsApp, promptly patched it. To protect yourself from this hassle, update WhatsApp 2.19.244 or higher.

2. Attack with the call "Pegasus"

Ways to hack WhatsApp you should know
Pegasus virus attacks users even when they do not receive calls on WhatsApp

Another WhatsApp flaw discovered in early 2019 was the "Pegasus" call. This frightening attack allows hackers to access devices simply by placing WhatsApp voice calls to their targets. Even if the target does not answer the call, they are still affected without even knowing that the malware is installed on the device.

This attack works through a method of causing a buffer overflow. This is where hackers intentionally put a lot of code into a small cache that makes it "overloaded" and writes the code in a location that it cannot access. When a bad guy runs code in an area where security is needed, they can spread malicious code.

The attack installed a well-known, long-standing spyware called Pegasus. It allows hackers to collect data on phone calls, photos, messages, videos, even activate the camera & microphone on the device to record.

This vulnerability appears on Android, iOS, Windows 10 Mobile and Tizen devices. It is used by the NSO Group of Israel - an organization that is accused of spying for Amnesty International and other human rights activists. After the news of the hack was leaked, WhatsApp was updated to prevent the attack.

If you're running WhatsApp 2.19.134 or earlier on Android or version 2.19.51 or earlier on iOS, you need to update the app immediately.

3. Phishing

An easy way to get into WhatsApp is through non-technical attacks (Social Engineering). This is a way of exploiting human psychology to steal information or spread false information. Security firm Check Point Research revealed such an attack called FakesApp. It causes users to misuse the quoting feature in the chat group and change the reply content of others. It basically allows hackers to send fake news to other legitimate users.

Researchers can do this by deciphering the form of communication of WhatsApp. That action allows them to see data sent between the mobile version and the WhatsApp web. From here, they can change the values ​​in group conversations. Then impersonate another person to send the message. They can also change the response.

The researchers said the bad guys could use this activity for fraudulent or spreading fake news. Although the flaw was exposed in 2018, it was not yet patched by the time the researchers spoke at the 2019 Black Hat conference in Las Vegas, the Znet.

4. Media File Jacking

Ways to hack WhatsApp you should know
Virus exploits your file via WhatsApp

This vulnerability affects both WhatsApp and Telegram . It takes advantage of the way the two applications receive multimedia files such as photos, videos and record them to external memory.

This attack started by installing a piece of malicious software inside an applet that looked innocent. It can then monitor the file sent to Telegram or WhatsApp. When a new file is detected, the malware can swap the file into a fake one. The research team discovered the bug, Symantec said it could be used to deceive or spread false information.

To quickly fix this error, in WhatsApp, go to Settings , access Chat Settings . Search options Save to Gallery and ensure it is set in the off mode ( Off ). Now you can be assured of this "nightmare". However, to completely overcome the problem, the application programming company needs to completely change the way the program handles media files in the future.

5. Facebook spies up the conversations on WhatsApp

Ways to hack WhatsApp you should know
Can Facebook follow you on WhatsApp?

This is more a security issue than a vulnerability. It involves Facebook being able to read WhatsApp messages.

In a blog post, WhatsApp implies that because of end-to-end encryption, Facebook cannot read the content on this application. However, according to programmer Gregorio Zanon, that is not entirely true. In fact, end-to-end encryption does not guarantee that all messages are private. For example, on iOS 8 and above, all applications have access to files in the "shared container".

Both Facebook and WhatsApp share a shared container on the device. While conversations are encrypted when sending, it is not necessary to encrypt them on the original device. Meaning Facebook has the ability to copy information from WhatsApp.

Currently, there is no evidence that Facebook used a shared container to view private messages on WhatsApp. However, this is entirely possible.

Above are vulnerabilities that have been discovered that make it easy for hackers to attack your WhatsApp. You can refer to WhatsApp's Privacy and Security Tips for more secure messaging.

Hope the article is useful to you!

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

12 Amazing WhatsApp Tips and Tricks

12 Amazing WhatsApp Tips and Tricks

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications on mobile devices. To better understand WhatsApp and how to use it. In the article below, WebTech360 will introduce you to 10 great tips to help you master WhatsApp in the palm of your hand.

WhatsApps new feature helps users make sure no one shares their conversations

WhatsApps new feature helps users make sure no one shares their conversations

To help keep users safe, Meta has been steadily introducing security and privacy features to the app — and there are even more on the way.

WhatsApp finally allows multiple accounts on iPhone

WhatsApp finally allows multiple accounts on iPhone

WhatsApp iOS seems to have finally caught up to the Android version with a noticeable improvement on iPhone.

Chat WhatsApp with Opera

Chat WhatsApp with Opera

Discover how to chat seamlessly on WhatsApp using the Opera browser, leveraging the latest technological advancements.

How To Use WhatsApp On A Fire Tablet

How To Use WhatsApp On A Fire Tablet

Discover how to install and use WhatsApp on your Fire Tablet, ensuring you never miss a video call or important message, even without your smartphone.

How to enable WhatsApp voice message recording

How to enable WhatsApp voice message recording

WhatsApp voice message transcriptions are now rolling out to all accounts. All content in WhatsApp voice messages is transcribed into text.

4 Ways WhatsApp Messages Can Be Hacked

4 Ways WhatsApp Messages Can Be Hacked

Hacks targeting WhatsApp can compromise the privacy of messages and contacts. Here are five ways the WhatsApp app can be hacked.

Every WhatsApp shortcut for computer you need to know

Every WhatsApp shortcut for computer you need to know

Every WhatsApp shortcut for your computer you need to know, WhatsApp is one of the most popular free messaging apps today. The keyboard shortcuts below will help

Instructions for chatting on Facebook Messenger on Opera

Instructions for chatting on Facebook Messenger on Opera

Opera has integrated Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Telegram chat applications right in the Sidebar, allowing users to surf the web while chatting with friends easily.

7 tips to use WhatsApp Desktop to chat more effectively

7 tips to use WhatsApp Desktop to chat more effectively

If you use WhatsApp, you definitely want to use it on a larger screen. This article will give you tips for using WhatsApp Desktop effectively.

WhatsApp security and privacy tips that you should apply

WhatsApp security and privacy tips that you should apply

But if you're using WhatsApp as a main messaging app, there are many steps you should take to protect your privacy and security.

Translate messages on WhatsApp with Tap to Translate feature

Translate messages on WhatsApp with Tap to Translate feature

Google has added Tap to Translate - Tap to translate into Google Translate or Google Translate. This new feature helps you translate and reply to WhatsApp messages right on that app when you receive any messages from a foreign friend.

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Installing more RAM is the most effective solution to speed up your computer. Even if your computer is new, after only a few years of use, you will have to install more RAM to ensure better speed. In addition, new operating systems also require more memory. When a computer does not have enough RAM, it will exchange data streams with the hard drive, and that is the reason why your system runs slowly.

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Instructions for canceling Gemini Advanced subscription

Gemini Advanced is a paid subscription from Google that gives you access to more advanced AI models. After signing up for the Gemini Advanced plan, if you no longer need to use it, you should cancel the Gemini Advanced plan, according to the article below.

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

Instructions for installing Windows 11 on a virtual machine, installing Windows 11 on VMware

In this article, WebTech360 will guide you how to install and experience Windows 11 on VMWare virtual machine.

How to group layers in Canva

How to group layers in Canva

Grouping layers in Canva makes your design more professional and also makes it easier to edit and work with your design.

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Instructions for turning on communication safety to protect children using iPhone

Safe Communication will blur sensitive images received on your child's iPhone via Messages, AirDrop. Here's how to use Safe Communication on iPhone.

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

DTCL Season 14 Marksman Squad, DTCL Season 14 Marksman Build

Marksmen return in TFT season 14 and are still a powerful class with outstanding long-range physical damage.

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

How to fix sound errors on Windows 10, fix Win 10 sound errors

Some computers after upgrading to Windows 10 version have the problem of losing sound. We can check the audio device connections to the computer, or adjust the sound settings on the operating system.

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

How to use sounds in ScratchJR

In this article students will learn how to add sounds and use sounds in ScratchJR for each of their characters.

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

Instructions for learning English on ScratchJR

ScratchJR helps students create command-based programs for characters, and you can use it to build a foreign language learning program on ScratchJR.

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

How to create and manage iMessage iPhone chat groups

The iPhone iMessage group chat feature helps us text and chat more easily with many people, instead of sending individual messages.

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

Instructions for setting nicknames for friends accounts on TikTok

TikTok has an option to set a nickname for your friends' accounts to choose a name that is easier to remember in your friend list. This article will guide you to set a nickname for your friends' accounts on TikTok.

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Guide to improving services and search in Edge

Search and service improvement is a setting in Microsoft Edge that lets the company use your web search data to improve your search and web experience.

Instructions to change Weibo password on phone, computer

Instructions to change Weibo password on phone, computer

Weibo accounts also have options to edit the account, such as changing the Weibo password. Here are instructions for changing the Weibo password.

How to write stylish text on Claude AI

How to write stylish text on Claude AI

Claude AI now allows you to choose from a variety of text writing styles so users get the text they need.

How to recover deleted messages on iPhone, recover iPhone messages fastest

How to recover deleted messages on iPhone, recover iPhone messages fastest

There are several ways to recover deleted messages on iPhone, using iCloud, using iTunes, and using third-party apps.