WHATSAPP users are being warned of a newly-discovered attack that lets hackers infiltrate your private messages and group chats.
The app noted it recently placed a limit on forwarding content, added a label to forwarded messages, and made a series of changes to group chats in order to tackle the challenge of misinformation.
According to CheckPoint, cyber-criminals can then use the following shady tactics to manipulate your messages:
- Use the ‘quote’ feature in a group conversation to change the identity of the sender, even if that person is not a member of the group.
- Alter the text of someone else’s reply, essentially putting words in their mouth.
- Send a private message to another group participant that is disguised as a public message for all, so when the targeted individual responds, it’s visible to everyone in the conversation.
And the above video shows spoof messages being shared.
Check Point says it notified WhatsApp of the issues. In response, the company “acknowledged” the flaws, explaining that they’re part of the platform’s “design framework” but said it’s open to further discussion.
“We believe these vulnerabilities to be of the utmost importance and require attention,” said Check Point Research.
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