Skip to main content

WhatsApp & telegram security flaws



Both companies pride themselves in having state of the art encryption systems and ensure their users that the communication between each other is secure and no man in the middle attack will happen.


Sadly enough this was put to test and several security companies have opposed to these after finding loop holes in these encryption systems

WhatsApp has the ability to force the generation of new encryption keys for offline users, unbeknown to the sender and recipient of the messages, and to make the sender re-encrypt messages with new keys and send them again for any messages that have not been marked as delivered.


The recipient is not made aware of this change in encryption, while the sender is only notified if they have opted-in to encryption warnings in settings, and only after the messages have been re-sent. This re-encryption and rebroadcasting effectively allows WhatsApp to intercept and read users' messages.

This loop hole discovered by a security researcher in the University of California is he continued to say that if WhatsApp is asked by the government to surrender its data this is what it would do.


The vulnerability is not inherent to the Signal protocol. Open Whisper Systems’ messaging app, Signal, the app used and recommended by whistleblower Edward Snowden, does not suffer from the same vulnerability. If a recipient changes the security key while offline, for instance, a sent message 
will fail to be delivered and the sender will be notified of the change in security keys without automatically resending the message.

Telegram is also reported to also be suffering from the same flaws.


This brings into question the integrity of the systems that we use and vendors claim to be secure. As a security expert it goes without saying that we can never be 100% secure but either way it’s good to reduce and minimize the risks.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Precision Farming with Drones and Sensors

  Drones in Agricuture In the rapidly evolving world of agriculture, precision farming stands out as a groundbreaking approach that harnesses the power of technology to enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. Among the most transformative tools in this field are drones and sensors, which are redefining traditional farming practices. This article delves into how these technologies are being integrated into modern agriculture, the benefits they offer, and the future they promise. The Rise of Precision Farming Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, involves the use of technology to manage crops and soil in a more precise and controlled manner. The goal is to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming. Unlike conventional methods that rely on broad-spectrum approaches, precision farming tailors practices to the specific needs of different areas within a field. Drones: Eyes in the Sky Drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become an i...
Post a Comment
Read more

Early Detection of Brain Disorders: Using Wearable Devices Through Eye Movement

 Early Detection of Brain Disorders Using Wearable Devices Through Eye Movement Introduction In recent years, the integration of wearable technologies into healthcare has opened up exciting possibilities for early disease detection. Among these developments, wearable sensors that track eye movement have emerged as a promising tool in diagnosing brain disorders. Eye movement, which is closely linked to brain function, can offer vital clues in detecting neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive impairments. This research addresses a pressing question: Can subtle changes in eye movement patterns be reliably used to detect brain disorders before clinical symptoms become evident? With advancements in precision medicine and AI, the convergence of IT, biomedical engineering, and neuroscience is becoming not only possible but necessary. As a software engineer transitioning into bioinformatics, I see this as a pivotal opportunity to apply data sc...
Post a Comment
Read more

The future of Artificial Intelligence: trends, challenges, and opportunities

  The future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an exciting topic, with many trends, challenges, and opportunities to explore. AI is rapidly advancing and changing the world we live in, from business and healthcare to entertainment and social media. In this blog post, we will dive into some of the latest trends in AI, examine the challenges that come with AI, and explore the opportunities that AI presents. Trends in AI: One of the biggest trends in AI is the development of deep learning algorithms. These algorithms use neural networks to learn from vast amounts of data, making it possible for machines to recognize patterns and make predictions with high accuracy. Another trend is the integration of AI with other technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), which is creating a world where machines are connected and can communicate with each other in real-time. Challenges in AI: One of the biggest challenges in AI is the ethical and moral implications of using AI. As AI become...
Post a Comment
Read more