Whilst the issues discovered were later patched, those using WhatsApp Web instead of the accompanying desktop app were still at risk of browser vulnerabilities with Chrome etc. Users who had outdated versions of the desktop app were particularly at risk, as the security updates and patches would have to be manually downloaded.įrom a business owner's POV, the risks of employees using outdated consumer apps that had security vulnerabilities are too great. The issue was discovered by a researcher who found “multiple critical security flaws”, something that was attributed to WhatsApp Web using the Electron software framework – which has had its own security issues and is used by other apps such as Skype and Slack. Is WhatsApp Web a Security Risk?įor users who had WhatsApp Web installed on a company-provided computer, the vulnerability left the door open for bad actors to access confidential information or files, running the security risk of a data breach. This affected both WhatsApp Web’s Mac and Windows versions, and meant that messages could be altered, malware could be installed, and potentially sensitive or private documents and files could be accessed. However, with this convenience comes risk, with a security vulnerability discovered in 2020 that meant users could remotely access files from another user’s computer by inserting JavaScript into messages. This is from a point of view of convenience for users, enabling access wherever you are connected to the internet. WhatsApp Web works similarly to those who have devices in the Apple ecosystem that can log in and use iMessage across multiple devices that sync, or those with Android devices using Google messages. In 2016, the WhatsApp Web desktop app became available for download, providing an extension for users’ smartphones. WhatsApp Web is an online platform you can access from your computer where you can link and log in using a WhatsApp account. With concerns surrounding its security after intruders accessed remote desktop files through WhatsApp Web, is WhatsApp Web secure for business use, and what other risks does it pose compared to using the app on your smartphone? What is WhatsApp Web? Whilst the majority of people who use WhatsApp do so through a smartphone or tablet, there is also the desktop version called WhatsApp Web that can be downloaded onto a company-supplied laptop or desktop. There are still many people using apps like WhatsApp for business collaboration and its convenience, despite the concerns over the visibility of data and personal information. Many have added additional features but only when issues were found, or concerns were raised. At RealTyme, we have concerns around the continual use of consumer-built secure messaging apps and their safety as they were not designed from the ground up with this in mind and exist to create addiction and monetize eyeballs. In a workplace environment, security and privacy are two of the uppermost concerns for a business to be compliant, especially when looking to integrate software to help with collaboration and productivity.
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