Flaw in WhatsApp could allow hackers alter messages

A cybersecurity firm has unearthed flaws in the messaging app WhatsApp that could let hackers alter users messages and change the texts.

Israeli-based cybersecurity firm Check Point Research (CPR) discovered the flaw, which could be exploited in three ways,  and warned that 'malicious actors' could easily use the glitch to spread misinformation and fake news.

 The experts detailed their findings at the Black Hat cyber-security conference in Las Vegas, which was attended by many other cybersecurity experts.

They screened a video in support of their findings. The video showed how swiftly a message can be manipulated.

The team claim that they notified Facebook about the issue last year, but they did not heed to their claims, as a result, it is yet to be resolved. 

In a written statement released by the CPR's site, the company said: 'Towards the end of 2018, Check Point Research notified WhatsApp about new vulnerabilities in the popular messaging application that would enable threat actors to intercept and manipulate messages sent in both private and group conversations, giving attackers the power to create and spread misinformation from what appear to be trusted sources.

'We believe these vulnerabilities to be of the utmost importance and require attention.' 
However, WhatsApp spokesman declined to comment.

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