Government has a warning for WhatsApp users: 9 things to know

India's nodal agency for responding to cyber security threats/incidents has a warning for WhatsApp users. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued an alert for WhatsApp users in the country about a new bug that allows hackers to remotely access computing devices/smartphones. It has classified the vulnerability as "high". Here's all you need to know about CERT-In's warning and more .

The security flaw allows hackers to break into WhatsApp through MP4 file

MP4 file extension is a compressed file format that can carry videos, audio and subtitles.

The flaw does not require any form of authentication from WhatsApp user. It gets executed when the maliciously crafted file is downloaded on the user's device.

Hackers can use the WhatsApp security loophole to add malware on users' devices and steal sensitive files and can also use it for spying purpose.

Remote code execution allows hacker to access someone user's smartphone/PC remotely and make changes.

CERT-In has advised users to upgrade to the latest version of WhatsApp.