Especially for iOS and Android users…

If you’re using an iOS or Android device WhatsApp is urging you to update to the latest version of the app right now.

A code vulnerability found in WhatsApp is being exploited by a spyware program called Pegasus, which can install itself into your phone by simply performing a call to your WhatsApp number. The call doesn’t even have to be answered and the program will begin accessing your phone’s camera, microphone, scan your emails and text messages and also track your location data, hence its spyware classification. It was apparently developed by Israel’s NSO intelligence group , which created the program to sell to government intelligence agency, but according to The Citizen Lab the spyware has gone on to be used for more malicious activities by governments or government officials in the 45 countries it was reportedly sold to. To be fair there is a huge chance that this is mainly targeting western WhatsApp users but unless you’re particularly looking to get creepy spyware on your phone, it’s best you update your WhatsApp as soon as possible.

It’s also curious to note that less popular versions of WhatsApp like the Windows Phone and KaiOS version don’t exactly seem to be targeted. However we urge you update your WhatsApp versions as well just in case.

We will be giving updates on this story as it may continue.