WhatsApp protection is not as safe as it seems
A couple of weeks ago we were pleased with the update of the social network WhatsApp for iPhone for containing the much-awaited message encryption With it at last the information that we send with our contacts is protected, encrypting it from the moment it comes out from our terminals to the servers of WhatsApp and back to the recipient. In this way, our messages can no longer be captured and read by third partiesOr at least that's the theory.
And it is that, the encryption is carried out by applying a code with which to encrypt the information of mathematical form Therefore, whoever discovers that code is able to decipher the messages and access your information. The problem with WhatsApp is that, according to various blogs and pages of Internet, those codes are related to important data from terminals Something that further compromises our privacy, being able to discover how to read our WhatsApp messages and collect data from our smartphone
Thus, a developer of the platform Android has discovered and published that, in the case of this operating system, the encryption code is based on number IMEIThe one that is specific to each terminal and that can give access to several of its servicesAlthough it is true that the decryption process is not easy or accessible to all users, some already explain the process. Something that has to do with the MD5 algorithm and this code IMEI But it's not the only one platform from which its secrets have been revealed.
An Italian security expert has also found the code used on iPhone by WhatsApp to encrypt messages. In this case it is even more alarming, since it is generated by the MAC address of the WiFi access point to which the user connects to use thesocial network A weaker point of security that can be spied on with sniffing techniques that capturenetwork data and the devices connected to it
To all this we must talk about programs and applications dedicated to scanning networks in search of back doors or programming holes However, no need to be alarmed. As we say, it is necessary to have the necessary knowledge and tools In addition, these security issues often occur in WiFi wireless connections , where more than one user has access, so it's best to avoid it if possible, trying to connect only to secure points
In addition, we must not detract from the work of the WhatsApp programmers who, although it has not been, nor is it, the most sure, the remarkable efforts to improve it little by little with updates.Enhancements that include not only new features, such as the ability to create group conversations with up to 30 contacts , which was just enabled for iPhone, but to improve security andprotect the privacy of users of this social network so widespread and used.
