Spyware installed on phones through WhatsApp calls; bug fixed

Firm gives advice on protecting privacy; reports say spyware injected through voice calls

A system flaw in the calling function of WhatsApp let attackers install an Israeli software that allowed them access to mobile devices of the users, Financial Times reported on Tuesday. 

The malicious software, or spyware, was developed by the “secretive Israeli company NSO Group”, said the financial daily. The software installed itself in a user's mobile phone by calling the target through WhatsApp. The spyware gained access to a person's phone even if the attacker's WhatsApp call wasn't answered. 

The calls also often disappeared from call logs, and affected Android, iPhone and Tizen-based phones. 

“We believe a select number of users were targeted