WhatsApp security FLAW: 200 MILLION users at risk, security firm cautions

WhatsApp users could be vulnerable to remote attacks from online hackers, the security firm warned

MILLIONS of WhatsApp web users could be at risk from HACKERS thanks to a security flaw, a security firm has warned.

A software vulnerability in a WhatsApp browser add-on could allow hackers to take remote control of MILLIONS of computers across the globe, a security firm has warned.
WhatsApp Web allows Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and most recently iPhone users to continue their WhatsApp conversations within a browser window.
Users can send and read messages, videos, audio files, locations and contact information from their browser of choice.
But security firm Check Point claims a vulnerability discovered in the software could allow hackers to take control of users' computers and install ransomware, or other malicious code.

Ransomware is a collective term for apps which extort money from users with the threat to release private information or wipe data from a device.
To execute the potentially devastating remote attack – all the hackers need is the phone number associated with your WhatsApp account, Check Point has claimed.
The shocking news comes days after WhatsApp announced it had 900million active monthly users.
Hackers can then send a seemingly innocuous vCard electronic contact card, laced with malicious code.
As soon as the victim loads the vCard file – hackers can begin to remotely download malware onto the victim's computer.
WhatsApp has acknowledged the security flaw in its browser service and has issued a fix, which began rolling out to web clients worldwide on August 27.