Tag: WhatsApp
WhatsApp adds fingerprint unlock feature for Android users
WhatsApp users on Android can now lock the messaging app using their fingerprint. The Facebook-owned messaging service announced it will allow users to add the extra layer of security, which will require the device owner’s fingerprint to be confirmed before the app opens fully. A similar feature was added to Apple’s iOS platform earlier this…
Facebook suing Israeli company over ‘WhatsApp spyware’
Facebook is suing the Israeli hacker-for-hire company NSO Group for allegedly targeting some 1,400 users of its encrypted messaging service WhatsApp with highly sophisticated spyware. The lawsuit filed in San Francisco is the first legal action of its kind, according to Facebook, involving a nearly totally unregulated realm. Facebook said NSO Group violated laws including…
Quarter of mobile phone users make less than 5 calls a month – Ofcom
A quarter of mobile phone users make less than five standard calls a month, while 6% make none at all, latest Ofcom figures show. Of those who did make calls, 60% ended their conversation in less than 90 seconds, according to the regulator’s Mobile Matters report. The study of how around 150,000 people used their…
Facebook brings its video-calling Portal devices to UK
Facebook’s range of video-calling Portal devices are to go on sale in the UK for the first time, the company has announced. Three new versions of the screen-based smart home hubs have been announced, and will now also support Amazon’s voice-based assistant, Alexa, and support encrypted video calling via WhatsApp. First released in the US…
More than half of over-65s now shop online, figures show
More than half of British adults aged 65 and over now shop online, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data showed 82% of all British adults bought goods or services online this year, an increase of 5% on 2018. The figures, detailing household and individual internet use in Great…
Facebook to add own name to Instagram, WhatsApp
Facebook is to add its own name to two of its most popular services – Instagram and WhatsApp – to more clearly signal its ownership of the social media platforms. The social networking giant confirmed the rebrand but has not said when it will take effect. It is understood the new names – Instagram from…
Sir Nick Clegg reiterates calls for greater tech regulation
Facebook’s head of global affairs Sir Nick Clegg has reiterated his belief that increased regulation of tech firms can not be done solely by the internet companies themselves. Sir Nick said it should not be left to a private company to “decide who is or isn’t a legitimate participant in an election” and has called…
Facebook Libra cryptocurrency – your questions answered
Facebook has announced its own form of cryptocurrency called Libra alongside a digital wallet named Calibra. Together, they will allow users to pay for everyday items directly using their smartphone. Martyn Landi reports... Here is a look at how the new digital currency will work. What is Libra? Libra is the name of the new…
WhatsApp users urged to update app following spyware vulnerability
Cybersecurity experts have warned WhatsApp users to update the messaging app as soon as possible following the discovery of a major vulnerability that could allow attackers to install a malicious code on smartphones. The Facebook-owned app said it identified and fixed the issue earlier this month but Citizen Lab, a research group at the University…
WhatsApp attackers hid malicious code in app to spy on users
WhatsApp has rushed to roll out a security fix after concerns were raised that hackers could inject surveillance software on to phones via the call function. The app discovered a vulnerability that allowed attackers to install malicious code on iPhones and Android phones by ringing up a target device. The code could be transmitted even…
