WhatsApp, Telegram Apps Vulnerable to Hacking Despite End-to-End Encryption, Finds Study; 'Media File Jacking' Allows Hackers to Alter Images & Files

WhatsApp and Telegram may not be safe or immune to hacking. Symantec researchers, in their study, found out that despite the end-to-end encryption on the above messaging apps, the platforms remain vulnerable to hackers, especially in case of images or files.

Media files downloaded from WhatsApp and Telegram, after they are received by the user, get saved in the internal or external memory, as customised by the user. However, if a malware containing file or image is downloaded, it can remain there and leak important data even after the apps are deleted. WhatsApp Message Forwarding Limit Officially Rolled Out for Indian Users.

This act by the hackers has come to be known as the "Media File Jacking". The biggest danger of this malware is that it allows hackers to exploit even outgoing multimedia messages. New WhatsApp Features: Top 5 Features That Might Be Rolled On WhatsApp This Month.

A WhatsApp spokesperson told us that they have looked closely into this issue and they will be providing updates in line with Android's ongoing development. He also hinted that this security threat is similar to previous questions regarding the mobile storage affecting the app ecosystem.

The spokesperson, speaking to The Verge, said that the issue has been brought to the messaging app's attention and that updates will be provided in "Android's ongoing development." The Verge reported the spokesperson as saying, "WhatsApp follows current best practices provided by operating systems for media storage and looks forward to providing updates in line with Android’s ongoing development."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2019 11:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).