WhatsApp app users should be vigilant, according to G Data: conversations could be easily spied upon. Here’s how it’s possible and what to do to defend yourself.
One of the most well-known and used messaging applications, WhatsApp, could be a potential risk to the privacy of those who use it regularly.
The company G Data, a software house that deals precisely with IT security, has pointed out that it is possible to spy on messages exchanged via WhatsApp, since the application does not have any mechanism that allows encrypting data traveling from one user to another.
The danger became evident when a new application appeared on Google Play: it is “WhatsAppSniffer”.
The name says a lot about the ultimate goal of this app: it effectively allows you to spy on WhatsApp conversations – including texts or even images – that occur on the same Wi-Fi connection.
This is precisely the fundamental condition for WhatsAppSniffer to work: you must be connected to the same Wi-Fi as the person using WhatsApp to be able to intercept their messages.
Although the WhatsAppSniffer application has been removed from Google Play, the danger is still present since many had time to download it. In any case, although no longer available on official marketplaces, it is still possible to find the application online.
According to G Data SecurityLabs, this security flaw in WhatsApp would still be present, despite the substantial update related to security released a few days ago by the app’s developers.
How is it possible to avoid having your conversations spied on?
The simplest and most obvious advice is to avoid using shared Wi-Fi connections: using only your smartphone’s 3G connection will avoid the possibility of inappropriate “interceptions”.
If you already usually use your cellular network in public places or in environments where Wi-Fi sharing would be possible, then there is nothing to fear.
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