Whatsapp Spyware & The Importance of Encryption for Human Rights Activists and Lawyers

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.

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.

[Related: Legal Cybersecurity: A Lawyer’s Obligation]

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.

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.

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.

How Trustwire and VPN are Tools in Protecting Human Rights

While most people champion the cause of human rights, those who defend human rights are increasingly under threat. Common methods of communication for investigative journalists, human rights lawyers, and activists are being targeted.

Sensitive communications, as well as other identifying information is being compromised and endangering the lives of people fighting the abuses of oppressive regimes. But, there are a few ways activists can preserve their privacy, and therefore, their safety. Let’s take a look at how VPN and Trustwire are tools in protecting human rights.

The Issue

According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), 94 journalists were killed in 2018. In 2017, the number was 82. Afghanistan and Mexico top the list of the most dangerous place to be a journalist, but even the United States lost 5 journalists last year.

In the Phillipines, 34 lawyers have been killed since they elected Duterte in 2016. According to the New York Times, spyware allowed those responsible for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi track his location. Apparently, this type of surveillance is not uncommon. To those who challenge the legitimacy of some government’s actions, electronic communications can be a threat to their survival.

[Related: 3 Secure Communications Tips for Journalists]

How VPN and Trustwire Are Tools in Protecting Human Rights

While a government with seemingly inexhaustible resources may seem like an insurmountable

challenge, there are simple things that can be done. For one thing, a VPN service can preserve the privacy of individuals online.

Look for a VPN that combines both a privacy and security focus. In this way, a VPN, or virtual private network, can be a tool in protecting human rights.

Take into account the jurisdiction of your VPN to understand if that government will be tracking your data. Still, a VPN can ensure the privacy of those who may be subject to surveillance.

Similarly, Trustwire uses encryption that is as strong as the encryption the US government uses. Beyond this, there are no backdoors in the encryption technology used by Trustwire—so Trustwire can’t access your data even if we wanted to.

Trustwire allows journalists, activists, and other human rights defenders to communicate and share files without risking them being intercepted. What’s more, Trustwire does not track your usage, access, location, or the websites you’ve visited before accessing Trustwire.

No information given to Trustwire will ever be sold or analyzed. We are committed to the absolute privacy of our users.