WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is not encrypted enough, claim researchers
Facebook-owned WhatsApp is the most popular chatting platform of the age. The developers behind the app realize their power of reach and thus, are constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for its users. One of the main selling points for WhatsApp has been its end-to-end encryption option lately. Users are constantly reassured that the smartphone does not consist of any security loopholes and their chats are impenetrable even by the most powerful source.
On the contrary, a group of cryptographers from Germany might disagree with them. According to a report published by Deccan Chronicle, the cryptographers addressed the issue at the ‘Real World Crypto Security Conference’ which was held on Wednesday, 10th January for selected attendees across the field.
They said that anyone who could control the app’s servers could possibly insert new people into private group chats without even taking their permission. “The confidentiality of the group is broken as soon as the uninvited member can obtain all the new messages and read them,” Paul Rosler, one of the researchers from the team said at the event.
The authorities at Facebook were quick to come to the rescue. “There is no secret way into WhatsApp groups chats,” Facebook Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos replied to these accusations. “We’ve looked at this issue carefully. Existing members are notified when new people are added to a WhatsApp group.
We built WhatsApp so group messages cannot be sent to a hidden user. The privacy and security of our users are incredibly important to WhatsApp. It’s why we collect very little information and all messages sent on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted.” The end-to-end encryption option was introduced to WhatsApp almost two years ago. The company is testing a new feature wherein individuals can give group administrations the power to restrict certain members from participating in group chats.
