Creators of the mobile application have advised users to immediately update the
software as soon as possible to fix a problem caused by hackers.
The security flaw fixed in the latest WhatsApp update—allowed hackers to compromise information stored on mobile phones by calling the target using the app.
WhatsApp believes that a select number of users were targeted by an advanced cyber actor, exploiting its voice calling feature, which it said had all the hallmarks of a private company reportedly that works with governments to deliver spyware that takes over the functions of mobile phone operating systems.
Whats app is used by 1.5 billion people around the world and this breach is the latest in a series of issues troubling its parent Facebook, which has faced intense criticism for allowing its users’ data to be harvested by research companies.