The article unknown WhatsApp Spye software: Terro-click attacks deal with encryption from Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. You always stay up to date with our newsletter.
WhatsApp recently warned a few dozen users of a new spy software – including: journalists and activists. Particularly perfidious: so-called zero-click attacks are apparently indirectly dealing with end-to-end encryption.
Reports Recently warned whatsapp users that they may have become victims of a previously unknown spy software. According to this, around 90 people were spied on – including journalists and activists. A software called Graphite, which the Israeli company Paragon Solutions developed.
Particularly explosive: the malware is based on a technology that is particularly dangerous for users because they are difficult to protect. The background is so-called zero-click attacks. Specifically, the spy software can infect devices without a link to be clicked. Instead, it is sufficient if attackers send a specially prepared message or file to your victims. Affected people usually don’t notice anything.
WhatsApp spy software: What are zero-click attacks?
Usually, successful chopping attacks require a certain interaction of the victims. For example, users have to click on a link or open a file to capture malware. Zero-click attacks work differently. Cybercriminal benefits from which make it possible to smuggle malware on a device without having to become active.
This method is particularly perfidious because it leaves almost no traces. Affected people often notice too late or not at all that hackers have compromised their device. Messenger apps such as WhatsApp or Signal are particularly popular attack goals because they have to always receive and process data-and that’s exactly where the hackers start.
Is WhatsApp encryption affected?
At first glance, one might think that whatsApp end-to-end encryption would have to prevent such attacks. But that’s not the case. The encryption protects the transmission of messages, but not the device itself. As soon as an attacker has access to a smartphone via Zero-click malware, it can also access the unencrypted messages on one device-before they are sent or received.
Specifically, the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) indirectly means that zero-click attacks are indirectly by using weaknesses in the software or in the operating system before the encryption plays a role. A device or app is compromised before or after a message is decoded. Since users do not have to click, they are particularly dangerous and difficult to recognize.
This means that the encryption remains strictly intact, but it does not help if your own cell phone has already been infiltrated. So it is all the more important to carry out regular updates and to keep an eye on suspicious activities. Since zero-click attacks work without interaction by the user, it is difficult to protect yourself completely from it. Nevertheless, there are some measures, such as regular installation of updates or deletion of unnecessary apps.
Also interesting:
- So you can use chatt via WhatsApp
- WhatsApp draft: This is how you can end the messages that have started
- CO2 footprint: So much strain whatsapp, emails and streaming the environment
- WhatsApp: This is how you can create lists – and add chats
The article unknown WhatsApp Spye software: Terro-click attacks deal with encryption from Felix Baumann first appeared on Basic Thinking. Follow us too Google News and Flipboard.
As a Tech Industry expert, I would advise caution when it comes to using any unknown WhatsApp spy software, especially those that claim to perform “terrain-clicking attacks.” These types of attacks are not widely known or recognized in the cybersecurity community, which raises red flags about the legitimacy and safety of the software.
It is important to remember that using spy software to monitor someone’s WhatsApp activity without their consent is not only unethical but also illegal in many jurisdictions. Additionally, downloading and installing unknown software from untrustworthy sources can put your own device at risk of malware and other security threats.
I would recommend sticking to reputable and well-known spy software providers if you have a legitimate need for monitoring someone’s WhatsApp activity, and always ensure that you have the proper permissions to do so. It is crucial to prioritize privacy and security when it comes to using any type of monitoring software.
Credits