Hackers have done it again—breached what many trusted to be
a secure method of communication and turned it into a tool for data mining and
tracking the activity of users.
This particular issue stems from a failing in the security framework of Whatsapp that allows hackers to infect users’ phones with spyware.
Given the increased targeting of human rights activists and lawyers by oppressive regimes, the importance of encryption has become paramount. Whatsapp spyware further raises the stakes.
This particular issue stems from a failing in the security framework of Whatsapp that allows hackers to infect users’ phones with spyware.
Given the increased targeting of human rights activists and lawyers by oppressive regimes, the importance of encryption has become paramount. Whatsapp spyware further raises the stakes.
The Problem
Reuters reported
just weeks ago that some governments have been using Whatsapp spyware of
tracking human rights activists and lawyers they deem a threat. While Whatsapp
claims to use strong encryption technology and recognizes the importance of
this, their security has failed.
Human Rights lawyers and other activists realize that their work cause them to fall under scrutiny. Some even endure threats to their livelihood or person. Because of these risks, lawyers and activists use encryption to protect their anonymity while communicating online and on mobile devices.
Needless to say, learning that a government who disapproves of your work has access to your contacts’ list, location, and passwords is frightening.
The Solution
Unfortunately, this type of hacking is hard to prevent and
detect, because rather than accessing data, this software accesses the device
itself. Luckily, this software is expensive to operate, and hackers cannot
easily make a profit leveraging this “service.”
Facebook, the owner of Whatsapp, promises to increase security across all of its platforms. This comes especially after Congressional inquiry into how Facebook profits from its users’ data. Unfortunately, Facebook hasn’t made good on its promises before.
Facebook, the owner of Whatsapp, promises to increase security across all of its platforms. This comes especially after Congressional inquiry into how Facebook profits from its users’ data. Unfortunately, Facebook hasn’t made good on its promises before.
Still, encryption is a matter of importance for all human
rights activists and lawyers. While spyware that accesses your device from
Whatsapp is a threat, it’s not as common as hacking that accesses your date due
to a lack of encryption technology.
[Related: The Best Secure Dropbox Alternative]
The Importance of Encryption for Human Rights Activists and Lawyers & Whatsapp Spyware
If you’re looking to protect sensitive documents and
messages from hackers, don’t look to an organization that is designed to profit
from your private content and behaviors.
At Trustwire, we are committed to providing a truly private, truly secure means of communicating and transferring data.
At Trustwire, we are committed to providing a truly private, truly secure means of communicating and transferring data.
We never have access to your communications or documents, and we don’t track your usage or the websites you visit before ours. If integrity matters to you, then sign up today and begin transferring and communicating with true security.
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