WhatsApp compromised by major design flaw: Reports
October 19, 2013 Leave a comment
WhatsApp compromised by major design flaw: Reports
LONDON – Messaging service WhatsApp has a major design flaw which may allow attackers to decrypt intercepted messengers, according to reports.
12 OCTOBER
LONDON – Messaging service WhatsApp has a major design flaw which may allow attackers to decrypt intercepted messengers, according to reports. A Dutch developer claims to have discovered a hole in the popular app’s security because it uses the same key to encrypt outgoing and incoming messages, the Daily Telegraph reported.Mr Thijs Alkemade said the issue exists on Nokia Series 40 and Android devices and believes handsets running Apple’s iOS operating system are also likely to be affected.
“You should assume that anyone who is able to eavesdrop on your WhatsApp connection is capable of decrypting your messages, given enough effort,” he wrote in a blog post which explained his fears.
Mr Alkemade said he raised the issue because he believed it was in the public interest and would not be fixed in the near future.
WhatsApp rejected the claim that all conversations on the app were compromised but said it appreciated the concerns raised.
“WhatsApp takes security seriously and is continually thinking of ways to improve our product,” a spokesman told PC World.
“While we appreciate feedback, we’re concerned that the blogger’s story describes a scenario that is more theoretical in nature. Also stating that all conversations should be considered compromised is inaccurate.”
WhatsApp is an instant messaging service similar to BlackBerry’s BBM which allows people to send text messages and photos to groups of friends.
Launched in 2009, WhatsApp has more than 300 million users worldwide who share an average of 325 million photos each day. AGENCIES
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