Imagine that your company is using the popular messaging app WhatsApp for Windows. You should be aware that your company is at risk of a costly and disruptive breach due to a critical security flaw.
The flaw was discovered by users in June 2024. The flaw allows some risky file types run natively in the app. WhatsApp will execute these files automatically if you open them on the desktop or mobile app. Some risky file types can only be run by the user if they download them first to their device's hard disk.
The majority of WhatsApp users are not at risk because the vulnerability only affects those who have Python installed on their machine. It's good news that Meta, WhatsApp's parent, does not plan to fix the vulnerability. This leaves users with no choice but to protect themselves against malware. Power users, researchers and developers, who are the most likely to use Python, will also be at risk.
It doesn't, however, mean that you shouldn't protect your business. Meta shifting the responsibility of addressing the WhatsApp threat to users highlights the need to take cyber-security seriously and to review your protocols in order to prevent an incident.
Protecting your business from cyber threats
It's important to update your team on security best practices, even if nobody in your organization uses Python. If you use WhatsApp Windows, you should double check that you have the appropriate safeguards.
Education
To combat evolving threats, it is essential to provide ongoing training and education. Inform employees about the latest threats, such as this WhatsApp for Windows attack, and teach them how to identify possible risks. Remember to remind employees not to open files or links sent by unknown senders. If in doubt, ask for confirmation.
Antivirus protection
To block malicious files, you must keep your anti-virus and malware protection updated. Set these programs up to update automatically to ensure that you have the latest protection.
Application and Operation Security Patches
Install them as soon as you get notified about new patches, even though developers may not always release security updates or patches for all vulnerabilities (as with the WhatsApp vulnerability).
Network Security Monitor
Among the most common behaviors to be on the lookout for are multiple attempts to connect to the network using IP addresses that you don't recognize, unusual data transfers and excessive network traffic.
WhatsApp for Windows allows your team to easily communicate and synchronize conversations across all platforms. Using this program safely is as important as using any other. To prevent a major breach, remind your team about the dangers of opening suspicious documents.
