[Originalloverman]

WhatsApp�s privacy settings are �broken� and can be bypassed by downloading a simple bit of software, claims the*Dutch developer behind proof-of-concept tool WhatsSpy Public.

Stalkers could be able to track any WhatsApp user�s profile picture, privacy settings, status messages and online or offline status, reports Network World, even if their their account is set up to hide this information.

The discovery was made by Maikel Zweerink, who created WhatsSpy Public to highlight the messaging service�s ineffective privacy options. *The software*allows anybody with a phone number not tied to WhatsApp to spy on users� status and profile photo, despite the app�s FAQ stating they would be seen by �nobody�.

The WhatsSpy Dashboard can also display a timeline that shows when users have been online and*how long they spent using*the app.

�The privacy options in WhatsApp act like they give you full control over your status in WhatsApp,� wrote Zweerink in a blog post.*�Meanwhile they only affect a very limited scope. Sure, the last seen, profile picture and status options do work, but probably not as the user intented it to. The ability for a complete stranger to follow your in-app status is pretty creepy and might have been abused already.�

He added, �This is not an �hack� or �exploit� but it�s broken by design.�

WhatsApp has recently pledged to get tough on security, as reported in November, introducing end-to-end encryption to help keep users� private messages private. As noted by the*International Business Times, the service was*previously rated*5 out of 7 by The Electronic Frontier Foundation*(EFF), which tracks how well messaging apps secure their users� privacy.

This latest flaw in it�s privacy settings, however, raises fresh concerns over WhatsApp�s security policy. The app is currently rated 2 out 7 by the EFF

WhatsApp privacy is 'broken', reveals proof-of-concept hack

Send from the amazing powers of the  Z30

[KermEd]

Reading now!

Posted to CB via my Passport | FileArchiveHaven

[Old_Mil]

Facebook and ineffective privacy options. Who would have guessed?

Posted via CB10

[MobileMadness002]

Here is yet another view on the article with a nifty image.

WhatsSpy Public Tracks WhatsApp Activity - Softpedia

[Originalloverman]

Here is yet another view on the article with a nifty image.

WhatsSpy Public Tracks WhatsApp Activity - Softpedia

Just read it good addition

Send from the amazing powers of the  Z30

[Oglon3r]

It's funny people have shown to care very little about their privacy these days.
Watch this not affect them in the least bit.
As a matter of fact I have seen some noise on Facebook about it being a "fun" app to use for some "harmless stalking."
I don't even think it's a good a idea for BBM to capitalize on these finds.

Supporting the people's struggle worldwide via my STA 100-5, Z30.

[BB_Phoenix]

Blackberry BBM is only 1 out of 7. Even BBM Protect is only 3 out of 7.

Passport and 10.3.1.1154

[pfe1223]

Blackberry BBM is only 1 out of 7. Even BBM Protect is only 3 out of 7.

Passport and 10.3.1.1154

Here is the reason that BBM scores so low. This is taken from episode 427 of the Security Now podcast.

[thymaster]

Another reason why I don't use Whatsapp.

[Originalloverman]

It's funny people have shown to care very little about their privacy these days.
Watch this not affect them in the least bit.
As a matter of fact I have seen some noise on Facebook about it being a "fun" app to use for some "harmless stalking."
I don't even think it's a good a idea for BBM to capitalize on these finds.

Supporting the people's struggle worldwide via my STA 100-5, Z30.

Yes my sentiments exactly it's really like a zombie apocalypse in effect, like the mass brains are sucked out and they just follow without thinking.

Send from the amazing powers of the  Z30