British Government Ministers Risk Being Hacked
WhatsApp users have been hit by an urgent warning from technology experts after a potential hacking hazard was identified by a secretive Israeli surveillance firm Paragon Solutions. Paragon have reportedly discovered a method to break into a host of encrypted smartphone apps.
As a consequence, the UK Government Security Group has issued guidance to government ministers following questions being raised about ministers using their personal phones WhatsApp and private email. to conduct official business.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s has also been accused of poor cyber security, after it was revealed last year that he was still using his personal mobile number that was widely available.
It is understood the guidance was issued in May after high-profile stories about hackers exploiting WhatsApp. “The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Government Security Group in the Cabinet Office may also issue guidance in response to specific threats... For example, the Government Security Group recently provided advice on how to secure devices using two-factor authentication in response to hackers using fake messages to access WhatsApp.” UK Cabinet Secretary Simon Case said.
Hackers are known to have targeted Heads of State and other government officials around the world through WhatsApp, with Ministers in Australia, the Netherlands and South Africa having suffered successful attacks on their digital devices
Police forces in the UK have issued warnings about a widespread fraud targeting WhatsApp users in which fraudsters control a WhatsApp user’s account and messages one of their contacts under that guise. This is sent at around the same time a text or email is received by that same contact from WhatsApp, which contains a verification code that the hacker has requested by pretending to be them.The scammer explains that they accidentally requested the code to be sent to the contact’s number and ask that they send it over to them.
Apple iPhones can also be compromised and their sensitive data stolen through hacking software that doesn’t require the target to click on a link, according to a report by Amnesty International, who say their researchers have discovered iPhones belonging to journalists and human rights lawyers had been infected with NSO Group’s Pegasus malware that can provide the attacker access to messages, emails and the phone’s microphone and camera.
Guardian: Daily Record: Hitechglitz: Bollyinside: Infosecurity Magazine: Wales Online:
Businesss Telegraph: Birmingham Mail: Image: Unsplash
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