It promised vanishing messages, but now 'it's privacy theater'
A popular privacy feature in WhatsApp is"completely broken and can be trivially bypassed," according to developers at cryptowallet startup Zengo.
The server would still send these messages to other platforms, but they couldn't be viewed - unless someone fiddled with the code. "Which means it’s the virtual equivalent of putting a note on the picture that says 'don’t look.' All that is required for attackers to circumvent it, is merely to set this flag to false and the media become regular and can be downloaded, forwarded and shared."View Once mode, which allows messages to be sent, looked at, and then deleted without the recipient being able to save a screenshot of the message.
Additionally, the Zengo team found code examples on GitHub of a modified Android client and a Chrome extension that could allow anyone to exploit the issue. So the team decided to abandon the usual 90-day waiting period for responsible disclosure and go public.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Whenever I wear this £20 Elizabeth Arden perfume, I get asked for the name'An iconic Elizabeth Arden fragrance is now available to shop for £20 thanks to a flash Amazon beauty deal - and wearers say it's 'gorgeous' and 'feminine'
Read more »
Guest editor Laila Gohar: ‘Your nicest porcelain should be used whenever you canTilly is a British writer, editor and digital consultant based in New York, covering luxury fashion, jewellery, design, culture, art, travel, wellness and more.
Read more »
Michael Jordan revealed the one dunk that gave him 'chills' during his glorious NBA careerMichael Jordan's favourite ever dunk gives him chills whenever he watches it.
Read more »
World's 'dreamiest' restaurant has gorgeous sea view – but you can only arrive by boatBrits say they 'need' to book a trip to the acclaimed restaurant 'ASAP' - but getting there might be a little more difficult than you think
Read more »
Aerial view shows new Lancashire Cricket site at Farington progressThe Lancashire Cricket facility at Farington Pic: Lancashire County Council New aerial pictures show the cricket pitches at the state-of-the-art Lancashire
Read more »
– Alan Shearer delivers blunt view as controversial VAR call spares Newcastle’s blushes at Bournem...
Read more »