Did you always thought that nobody could read your messages that are being sent via WhatsApp? Think again, cause a small test shows that other people can view usernames, phone numbers and text messages by using a simple network sniffer like Wireshark. The application gives the impression that the connection is secured with an SSL encryption, but this is not the case. The messenger service has already stated that it will investigate the leak.
You don’t have to think that this is the end of the world, cause most emails are being sent unencrypted over the network as well and can be easily viewed with tools like Wireshark. But the problem is that WhatsApp gives the impression that the message is getting encrypted when its being sent over, their website shows that they are using SSL. But the implementation of SSL isn’t done perfectly. The application uses the port 443 for https, but that doesn’t really matter cause the message is still being transferred unencrypted. Which means that if you are on the same network, you can view telephone numbers, usernames and even messages in plain text.
Should I stop using WhatsApp?
That is of course your own decision, but the leak isn’t something really new, but you may want to watch out if you are on an unsecured network, if you are on 3G it is perfectly fine. On your own network at home or at work it isn’t likely that someone will sniff through your traffic data, but you can never be sure. So if you want to be perfectly safe, stay on 3G, or just be careful.
WhatsApp has said that they will be investigating the matter. If you still are afraid that your WhatsApp messages will end up in the wrong hands, you can switch to an alternative messenger. Skype messages are encrypted with a 256-bit AES encryption key.
Moo
Check out “www.geenstijl.nl”. use google translate. Someone found a way way bigger hack to WhatsApp that allows you to actually take over *any* WhatsApp account in the entire world… There is a video demonstrating it.
Corey Brookehoven
Thanks for the tip, but this only seems to work on those old Symbian phones, if an iPhone application sends out a text message it will not show up in the normal inbox. Not sure about BlackBerry or Android, will try to test it out tomorrow.
mindkingmonty
its taking me ages to find the video
Chini
Let’s hope they don’t add a tamerhl captor in the next iPhone generation, or you will have to find a n other icon to replace the thermometer for the temperature conversion category
Loki
Whats App is dangerous- I had my blackberry stolen in South Africa last week and today someone using my local telephone number to whats app all my contacts asking for money.
PLus you cannot even speak to someone at Whats App- only emails which they have not responded to…
Tell everyone to remove whats app urgently
darkXpion
WhatsApp isn’t dangerous, it’s you that are being silly.
1. what does it matter where your phone was stolen? it could happen anywhere!
2. anyone using your stolen phone will obviously have access to all your messengers, including BBM on blackberry and also your contacts, you should pin protect your phone.
3. it’s not a WhatsApp problem, all you have to do is a simswap and install WhatsAapp on any new phone you get using your number, that will immediately disable the WhatsApp on the stolen phone.
Sara Al-Enizi
Hi all ;*
Thanks for the tip , but please i want tip about how to do programs in app store i have Macbook Pro the New of 2011 , ipad 2 , iMac , Mac mini , ipod the 4 and iphone
beacuse im rich how can i do programs in app store i wan to do it not from the apple
please answer the qus
and thanks for all
developer
I can teach you via skype if you like.
Jay jay
Do you know how to hack into Skype and Whatsapp?
toyoprelief
can u teach me? to hack whatsapp on blackberry bold I
Anonymous
U know how to hack into skype and whatsapp?
dodo
Hiya,
I need help!
Can you please teach me?
Sara Al-Enizi
commenet 2
and can we download Whatsapp in mac
please answer me
and iam from Kuwait ( Arabic )
my country is very good everyone go there please
thanks all
IQ
Hi Sara, I want to visit Kuwait. About whatsapp in Mac you can’t because need phone noumber
losh11
Yes,
I’ve been to Kuwait twice and going 3 times this summer!
linbos
que buena aplicacion
judíth mora
Muy bueno
Social Media Saint
I just downloaded Whatsapp and started using this few days back. Now after reading this post, I am starting to get scared about my privacy.
lIly
Moo can i have that website in english pls
YourDailyMac Staff
Juist go to Google translate, the language of the article is Dutch.
Chris Obesse Adams
Wont to chat
Andiswa
Have no comment
cupid
why msgs r nt being delivered to chat partner via whatapp wer as msgs r being delivered to server
DJ slang
i love u all
Adrian
it is not WhatsApp, this just comes down to user security. Anyone who is logged into an unencrypted public WiFi network can have TCP conversations listened to. Firesheep and cocoapacketanalyzer can do far more worse things then. I will have to test this out on a secure network and see what happens.
http://dishingtech.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/installing-whatsapp-on-mac-or-pc-doable.html
GarryKE
All this says it that WhatsApp isn’t encrypting its outbound data. Even if it did there would be stripping methods, just like SSL stripping HTTPS, which will result in this data being viewable.
Also this is a network attack: people need to be using the same network as you are using; public (airport, cafe, etc.).
This article is just highlighting why people should encrypt all outbound traffic on any device that uses the internet, preferably via a local proxy, as data is sent to the proxy and then encrypted before being tricked and sent to the attacker before being sent to hub and then internet.
pooh_1234
Hi,
Can you please help to let me know how can i hake my gf’s whatapps application…I tried to search the various sites but can’t able to understand..
Its about someone’s life…
So please understand my concern…
Thanks..
Tambu saka
hai