Hackers could change the content of your Whatsapp messages

Digital platforms, whether due to an error in their code or the ability of hackers, are vulnerable to cyber attacks, making the security of their users compromised. Social network applications are no stranger to these attacks. An Israeli electronic security company called Check Point Research reversed the WhastApp encryption algorithm and discovered new vulnerabilities in this Facebook-owned messaging service. These small security gaps could allow hackers to intercept and manipulate messages sent in private and group conversations, which would put the privacy of more than 1.5 billion users at risk. The ability to manipulate the content of the text messages of any WhatsApp user would give the attackers immense power to create and disseminate erroneous information or fake news, as they would make it appear that the information comes from reliable sources. The Check Point Research team observed three possible attack methods that can take advantage of that weakness. Each of them involves great social engineering tactics to deceive users.