Instagram patches security bug that would let hackers take over your smartphone
What you need to know
- Facebook has patched a major security flaw on Instagram.
- Check Point Security discovered a flaw that would let hackers take over your smartphone using malicious code buried in a photo.
- Fortunately, no one seems to have been affected by the exploit.
Facebook says it has patched a security issue within Instagram that would have allowed hackers to take control of a smartphone by simply sending a user a photo carrying malicious code.
According to Business Insider:
The vulnerability was reportedly very easy to exploit, and could have granted any potential hacker a "wide range of permissions". The execution was also quite simple:
Check Point's Yaniv Balmas warned people to "take the time" curating permissions that apps have on their devices and that whilst it may seem like a burden, it was one of the "strongest lines of defense" everyone has to protect against mobile cyber-attacks.
Facebook has patched the issue and says it was not aware of anyone abusing the exploit.
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