This week, news was going around that there was a security flaw in the Android version of WhatsApp. This security flaw could allow a hacker to read previous conversations stored through the microSD card on your device. A spokesman for WhatsApp stated that the stories “have not painted an accurate picture and are overstated.”If you’re interested in the entire statement, it follows at the end of this post. The spokesman also added that contrary to earlier reports, the update to the app available in the Google Play Store did contain some enhanced security measures. The security expert who revealed the flaw this week stated that the security hole still exists even after the recent update to WhatsApp.
WhatsApp also stated that anytime malware or a virus is installed on a phone unknowingly, all data on that microSD card is at risk. Not just the conversations in which WhatsApp stores on there, but any and all data. While that is true, the recent acquisition by Facebook definitely isn’t helping, because we all know how good Facebook is with security and privacy.
Hopefully WhatsApp will fix this quickly before they lose to many users, as I know they’ve already lost quite a few due to this security flaw. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with what’s going on with WhatsApp. You can check out the full statement from WhatsApp down below.
“We are aware of the reports regarding a “security flaw”. Unfortunately, these reports have not painted an accurate picture and are overstated. Under normal circumstances the data on a microSD card is not exposed. However, if a device owner downloads malware or a virus, their phone will be at risk. As always, we recommend WhatsApp users apply all software updates to ensure they have the latest security fixes and we strongly encourage users to only download trusted software from reputable companies. The current version of WhatsApp in Google Play was updated to further protect our users against malicious apps.”-Statement from WhatsApp