On Wednesday, we passed along a story about a security flaw on the Android version of WhatsApp,
that could allow a hacker to read previous conversations stored on a
microSD card. A spokesman for the messaging app, which is awaiting regulatory approval of its $19 billion purchase by Facebook, said that the stories "have not painted an accurate picture and are overstated."
He added that contrary to earlier reports, the update to the app
available in the Google Play Store did contain some enhanced security
measures (although it did not beef up the security for stored
conversations). The security expert who originally revealed the flaw,
Bas Bosschert, says that the security hole still exists even after the
update.In a statement, WhatsApp's spokesman stated that anytime malware or a virus is installed on a phone unknowingly, all data stored on a microSD card is at risk, not just conversations stored there by WhatsApp. And while that might be true, unfortunately for WhatsApp, its pending acquisition by Facebook has thrust it into the spotlight where every thing about the app is magnified.
"We
are aware of the reports regarding a “security flaw”. Unfortunately,
these reports have not painted an accurate picture and are overstated.
Under normal circumstances the data on a microSD card is not exposed.
However, if a device owner downloads malware or a virus, their phone
will be at risk. As always, we recommend WhatsApp users apply all
software updates to ensure they have the latest security fixes and we
strongly encourage users to only download trusted software from
reputable companies. The current version of WhatsApp in Google Play was
updated to further protect our users against malicious apps."-Statement
from WhatsApp
source: TechCrunch
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