• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Urgent warning for all iPhone and Android users as one simple setting could be leaving you vulnerable to dangerous attacks

Home> Technology

Published 17:53 2 Apr 2025 GMT+1

Urgent warning for all iPhone and Android users as one simple setting could be leaving you vulnerable to dangerous attacks

The NSA has issued a warning for users to ensure they don't become victims

Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard Kaonga

The National Security Agency (NSA) has said iPhone and Android users need to be aware of a potential security risk posed by their messaging apps.

In the digital age, it is important to always be aware of the many ways nefarious individuals might be trying to get access to our information.

Since everyone has a phone, it is even more important because it can be easy to forget just how much data and information is stored on these devices.

As well as this, many of us would prefer if our messages and groupchats stay private and for our eyes only.

Advert

The NSA has now issued a warning to these phone users because one simple setting could make it easier for attackers to gain access, however.

It is important to note that the secure messaging apps on your phone aren't dangerous, as the majority take their own security very seriously and have certain measures in place to prevent attacks.

The NSA has warned against laxxed setting allowing unwanted individuals to gain access to your messaging apps(Getty Stock Image)
The NSA has warned against laxxed setting allowing unwanted individuals to gain access to your messaging apps(Getty Stock Image)

However, a user’s own behavior can be the difference in security.

Advert

The NSA warning came last month and was prompted by Google’s Threat Intelligence Group who discovered Russia’s GRU was tricking Ukrainian officials into opening access to their Signal accounts, allowing the Russians to listen in.

This wasn’t a flaw with Signal, however, as it was working as was intended. Google also warned this issue can extend to other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.

The vulnerabilities relate to features in both Signal and WhatsApp that make them easier to use.

Linked Devices allow a person to access the messaging apps on another device. This can prove useful if you don’t have your phone but want to use the apps.

Advert

This is easily mitigated, however, as both Signal and WhatsApp have the option that shows all the devices linked to the account. If in doubt, simply remove any devices you don’t recognize.

Basically what all phone hackers look like...(Getty Stock Image)
Basically what all phone hackers look like...(Getty Stock Image)

Another potential vulnerability is Group Links, a simple way for you to invite new members into a group chat by sending them a link rather than adding them individually.

Simply following the link can allow individuals access to a group even if they are not meant to be in there, however.

Advert

On Signal, this can be countered by disabling the Group Link from within the group’s settings.

This isn’t available on WhatsApp, however, the issue can be sidestepped by changing the group options to ensure only Admins can add members.

What is said in the group chat, stays in the group chat.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Tim Robberts

Topics: Phones, Technology, US News

Gerrard Kaonga
Gerrard Kaonga

Gerrard is a Journalist at UNILAD and has dived headfirst into covering everything from breaking global stories to trending entertainment news. He has a bachelors in English Literature from Brunel University and has written across a number of different national and international publications. Most notably the Financial Times, Daily Express, Evening Standard and Newsweek.

Advert

Advert

Advert

  • Instagram users issue urgent warning to check one setting as they believe new feature could put you at risk
  • iPhone users given critical warning over hot weather hack that could ruin your device
  • FBI warns iPhone and Android users to stop texting each other for a disturbing reason
  • FBI warns iPhone and Android users to hang up the call if you hear this

Choose your content:

an hour ago
a day ago
2 days ago
  • an hour ago

    NASA astronaut shares exactly how much they get paid in a very blunt three–word statement

    Being a NASA astronaut may not be as lucrative as you'd imagine

    Technology
  • a day ago

    Harvard scientist proposes six-word message be sent to mysterious object aiming at Earth that he says is 'not natural'

    Physicist Avi Loeb shared his thoughts ahead of the object making its closest approach to the Sun

    Technology
  • a day ago

    Kodak gives sad update after one fatal mistake turned it from a $31,000,000,000 photography company to bankrupt

    Things aren't looking good for what was once one of the leading camera companies in America

    Technology
  • 2 days ago

    Scientists studying NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope discover black hole 300 million times bigger than the sun

    More could be out there in deep space

    Technology