A cybersecurity breach in Facebook's messagingapp WhatsApp left users unknowingly vulnerable to malicious spyware installed on their smartphones,WhatsApp admitted Monday. The security vulnerability affects both iPhone and Android devices, and WhatsApp is urging users to update their apps as soon as possible.
WhatsApp, which is used by over 1.5 billion people, confirmed the vulnerability in a statement, but didn't name the perpetrator.
“WhatsApp encourages people to upgrade to the latest version of our app, as well as keep their mobile operating system up to date, to protect against potential targeted exploits designed to compromise information stored on mobile devices,” the company said in a statement .
“We are constantly working alongside industry partners to provide the latest security enhancements to help protect our users.”
Facebook issued a security advisory confirming the vulnerability on Monday that outlines which versions of WhatsApp where affected.