A single poisoned notification from WhatsApp, Slack, SMS, Signal, Instagram, or Messenger could have hijacked Google Gemini’s voice assistant on Android and made it open a victim’s connected windows, fake a message from their boss, push the phone into a Zoom call, or quietly poison its long-term memory. No malicious app on the phone is…
Tag: WhatsApp
AI, Apps, Endpoint, Exploits, Global Security News
Zero-Click WhatsApp Account Takeover Hits iPhone Users Running iOS 16. No Linked Devices, No Warning
A zero-click attack targeting iPhones on iOS 16 hijacked WhatsApp accounts without linked devices, warnings, or user interaction. There is a particular kind of security incident that is harder to explain than most: your WhatsApp account is sending messages you did not write, asking your contacts for money transfers, and when you check the “Linked…
AI, Cybersecurity, Global Security News, privacy
Agent’s claims on WhatsApp access spark security concerns
A US agent claimed WhatsApp encryption is fake and Meta can access messages; the probe was abruptly shut, raising security concerns. A US agent claimed WhatsApp encryption is fake, alleging Meta accesses all unencrypted messages, but Commerce Department abruptly shut the probe, leaving leaders questioning if consumer apps are safe for sensitive business decisions. In…
Global Security News
Iran-linked Handala hackers leak US Marines data, send chilling WhatsApp threats
US Marines stationed around the Persian Gulf have been receiving WhatsApp messages from strangers suggesting they call home and make their final goodbyes. Read more in my article on the Hot for Security blog.
AI, Global Security News, privacy
WhatsApp brings long-awaited privacy control over who can contact you
After years of waiting, WhatsApp is set to roll out a username feature that will allow people to connect and communicate without sharing their phone numbers. This means more privacy and better control over phone number visibility by choosing a unique username. WhatsApp username feature (Source: WABetaInfo) The feature will become available to a limited…
Global Security News, malware
Microsoft Warns of WhatsApp Attachments Spreading Backdoor on Windows PCs
Microsoft warns of a WhatsApp attachments spreading VBS malware that installs backdoors on Windows PCs, giving hackers remote access and control systems.
AI, Global Security News
WhatsApp Alerts 200 Users After Fake iOS App Installed Spyware; Italian Firm Faces Action
Meta-owned messaging platform WhatsApp said it alerted about 200 users who were tricked into installing a bogus version of its iOS app that was infected with spyware. According to reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica and news agency ANSA, the vast majority of the targets are located in Italy. It’s assessed that the threat actors behind the activity…
AI, Apps, Cybersecurity, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, privacy, Risk Management
Italian spyware vendor creates Fake WhatsApp app, targeting 200 users
WhatsApp blocked a fake app by Italian firm SIO/Asigint that targeted 200 users with spyware, urging them to reinstall the official app. WhatsApp has recently uncovered a malicious fake version of its app that targeted roughly 200 users, most of whom are in Italy. The platform confirmed that the unofficial client contained spyware and was…
AI, Global Security News
Microsoft Warns of WhatsApp-Delivered VBS Malware Hijacking Windows via UAC Bypass
Microsoft is calling attention to a new campaign that has leveraged WhatsApp messages to distribute malicious Visual Basic Script (VBS) files. The activity, beginning in late February 2026, leverages these scripts to initiate a multi-stage infection chain for establishing persistence and enabling remote access. It’s currently not known what lures the threat actors use to…
AI, Exploits, Global Security News, malware
WhatsApp malware campaign uses malicious VBS files to gain persistent access
Microsoft is warning WhatsApp users of a new malware campaign that tricks them into executing malicious Visual Basic Script (VBS) files, ultimately enabling persistence and remote access. In a March 31 report, Microsoft Defender Experts said attackers have been distributing malicious Visual Basic Script (VBS) files through WhatsApp since at least late February, relying on…
AI, Global Security News
WhatsApp rolls out more AI features, iOS multi-account support
WhatsApp is rolling out multiple features designed to make the app easier to use, including AI-powered message replies and photo retouching, support for two accounts on iOS, and chat history transfer between iOS and Android devices. […]
AI, Apps, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, malware, Risk Management, Russia
Russia-linked actors target WhatsApp and Signal in phishing campaign
Russia-linked actors target WhatsApp and Signal accounts of officials and journalists via phishing, gaining access to messages and contacts. Threat actors linked to Russian Intelligence Services are running phishing campaigns to hijack high-value accounts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal, the FBI warns. “The FBI has identified cyber actors associated with Russian Intelligence Services targeting…
AI, Global Security News, privacy
WhatsApp is giving parents peace of mind over their kids’ privacy
WhatsApp has introduced parent-managed accounts designed for pre-teens, giving parents and guardians new controls over contacts, group participation, and how the app is used. These accounts are limited to messaging and calling and do not include access to features such as Meta AI, location sharing, or disappearing messages in individual chats. Parents must have the…
Global Security News
WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for pre-teens
WhatsApp has begun rolling out parent-managed accounts for pre-teens, allowing parents and guardians to decide who can contact them and which groups they can join. […]
AI, Global Security News
Meta turns to AI to sniff out scams on Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp
Meta’s new tools on Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp protect users from scams. They use advanced AI systems to analyze text, images, and surrounding context and identify sophisticated scam patterns. Facebook alerts for suspicious friend requests (Source: Meta) The systems detect impersonation of celebrities, public figures, and brands. They also identify deceptive links and domain impersonation…
Global Security News, Russia
Russian Hackers Target WhatsApp and Signal Accounts of Global Military and Government Officials
Dutch intelligence reveals Russian state hackers are trying to hijack the Signal and WhatsApp accounts of key targets
Global Security News, Russia
Dutch Intel Warns of Russian Hackers Hijacking Signal, WhatsApp Attacks
Dutch intelligence warns Russian hackers are hijacking Signal and WhatsApp accounts using fake support bots and verification code scams targeting officials and journalists.
AI, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Russia
Dutch govt warns of Signal, WhatsApp account hijacking attacks
Russian state-sponsored hackers have been linked to an ongoing Signal and WhatsApp phishing campaign targeting government officials, military personnel, and journalists to gain access to sensitive messages. […]
AI, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Russia
Russian hackers crack into officials’ Signal and WhatsApp accounts
Russian state hackers are trying to break into Signal and WhatsApp accounts used by diplomats, military staff, and government officials worldwide, Dutch intelligence agencies warned. They believe journalists and other people who attract attention from Moscow may also be affected. Investigators reported attackers attempt to trick users into revealing verification codes and PINs that protect…
AI, Apps, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, malware, Risk Management, Russia
Russia-linked hackers target Signal, WhatsApp of officials globally
Russia-linked hackers are targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts of government and military officials worldwide, warns Dutch intelligence. Dutch intelligence agencies (MIVD and AIVD) warn of a global campaign by Russia-linked threat actors aiming to compromise Signal and WhatsApp accounts. The operation targets government officials, civil servants, and military personnel, highlighting growing cyber risks to sensitive…
AI, Global Security News
WhatsApp is adding another lock to your account
Meta has released WhatsApp Beta for Android 2.26.7.8 through the Google Play Beta Program. The update includes references to password-protected accounts, indicating plans to introduce an additional layer of protection beyond the app’s current authentication options. WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will introduce a password (Source: WABetaInfo) The feature will allow…
AI, Exploits, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Network Security, privacy
Intellexa’s Predator spyware infected Angolan journalist’s device, Amnesty reports
Amnesty reports Angolan journalist’s iPhone was infected by Intellexa’s Predator spyware via a WhatsApp link in May 2024. Amnesty International reports that in May 2024, Intellexa’s Predator spyware infected the iPhone of Teixeira Cândido, an Angolan journalist and press freedom advocate, after he opened a malicious link sent via WhatsApp. This incident highlights how attackers…
Global Security News, Government & Policy, Legal, Russia, Security
Russia tries to block WhatsApp, Telegram in communication blockade
The Russian government is attempting to block WhatsApp in the country as its crackdown on communication platforms not under its control intensifies. […]