WhatsApp Hacked: 3.5 Billion Phone Numbers Leaked – Here's How to Protect Yourself
A security flaw in WhatsApp exposed phone numbers and personal data of around 3.5 billion users for years, according to a study conducted by the University of Vienna. Researchers were able to access millions of profiles, including names, photos, and bios.
The issue was revealed after being pointed out in a scientific paper, prompting Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, to fix the vulnerability. This breach highlights how easily public information can be exploited if not properly secured.
Users are advised to review their privacy settings on WhatsApp and make profile pictures and bios visible only to contacts. Awareness is essential, as any information visible online can end up in massive databases and be misused.
It is recommended to switch to privacy-conscious alternatives like the Signal app, which allows for phone number masking and has automatic restrictions to prevent bulk data collection. Users should also keep up with updates regarding social media security.
Experts warn that the risks are higher in countries where WhatsApp is banned. Therefore, taking preventive measures to maintain digital privacy, adjusting settings, and using more secure applications is a necessary step to protect personal data from any future breaches.