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Last Updated: September 01, 2025, 07:35 IST WhatsApp spyware threats are back and iPhone/Mac users are being warned about the advanced attacks targeting select people. WhatsApp spyware threats are back and iPhone users are the target WhatsApp and spyware threats are back in the news and the latest episode involves around 90 individuals who have been targeted with notorious tools to spy and steal data. The advanced spyware campaign has focused on journalists and civil society members from Italy and security experts are worried about the extent of the spy attacks that could have been used to hack the devices and push malicious exploits without even raising the red flag for the users.  The new WhatsApp spyware threat focuses on the iPhone and Mac users, who have been notified by the platform about the possible attack and the severity of it.  Recommended Stories Apple-WhatsApp Raise ‘Zero-Day’ Spyware Attack Risks  Apple has seen these attacks before and these are officially identified as “extremely sophisticated attacks against specific individuals." The company doesn’t say much about the targets, the origin of these campaigns and why. However, both the tech giants have made sure that the issues facing WhatsApp on iOS and MacOS needed

Infosec In brief A flaw in Meta's WhatsApp app “may have been exploited in a sophisticated attack against specific targeted users.” Meta made that alarming admission last week in a security advisory that disclosed CVE-2025-55177, which it described as allowing “Incomplete authorization of linked device synchronization messages in WhatsApp could have allowed an unrelated user to trigger processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target’s device.” The security team at Zuck’s messaging app also name-checked the zero-click vulnerability Apple patched last week - CVE-2025-43300 - because they feel their own CVE and Apple’s flaw “may have been exploited in a sophisticated attack against specific targeted users.” Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, the head of Amnesty International’s security lab, suggested attackers used the flaws in a highly specialized attack, which from past experience suggests that a commercial surveillanceware vendor is using it in highly targeted attacks against specific individuals. Surveillanceware is supposed to be used against state criminals but is also used against journalists, human rights campaigners, and anyone else certain governments don't like. It looks like that $1 million bounty for a zero-click WhatsApp flaw might be worth the price. Microsoft calls time on lack of MFA for Azure

WhatsApp has announced that crooks may have exploited a security vulnerability in its messaging apps for Apple iOS and macOS.

Messaging has become the backbone of everyday communication, and WhatsApp is constantly evolving to keep interactions smooth and meaningful. Its most recent update introduces AI Writing Help on WhatsApp, a feature that combines artificial intelligence with a privacy-first design. By rephrasing, proofreading, and adjusting the tone of your messages, this tool helps clarify conversations and reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings. At its core, WhatsApp’s AI Writing Help assists users in polishing their text before sending it. When composing a message, a pencil icon now appears in the chat bar. Tapping this icon opens Writing Help, which instantly generates several alternative versions of your message. The tool offers a range of tones, such as professional, supportive, humorous, or simply a proofread version for improved grammar and flow. This flexibility allows you to choose a tone suited to the context—whether you’re addressing a colleague, encouraging a friend, or lightening the mood with humor. Meta explains that its private processing technology, which ensures that all text is handled securely on your device, powers this innovation. WhatsApp has emphasized that neither the company nor third parties can view your original messages or the AI-generated suggestions. Independent audits have confirmed these claims, strengthening users’ trust

WhatsApp has launched a new AI feature, “Writing Help,” that allows users to rephrase, proofread, or change the tone of their messages, the Meta-owned company announced Wednesday. AI-powered suggestions, privacy-first Writing Help leverages Meta’s Private Processing technology, meaning AI-generated suggestions are created without Meta or WhatsApp ever reading the original message or the rewrites. Messages remain fully private, end-to-end encrypted, even when using the tool. “Writing Help is our latest AI feature powered by Private Processing that keeps your messages completely private,” WhatsApp said in a blog post. “You can review AI suggestions in different styles — professional, funny, or supportive — and edit them before sending to deliver the perfect message.” Accessible to all phones Unlike iPhone-specific writing tools, WhatsApp integrates this feature directly into the app, making it available to millions of Android users, including mid-range devices. Optional and privacy-focused Private Processing is off by default. Users must enable it to access Writing Help and other Meta AI-based features like Message Summaries. Independent audits by NCC Group and Trail of Bits have validated the architecture, ensuring strong privacy protections. “For those interested in the technical details behind Private Processing, we invite you to read our engineering blog and

WhatsApp said Friday it discovered an advanced cyberespionage effort that took advantage of a chain of security vulnerabilities in the app and Apple devices to hack them. A researcher with Amnesty International said unidentified members of civic groups appeared to be among those impacted. In a brief statement, the Meta Platforms-owned communications service said it had patched the security vulnerability that allowed hackers to take advantage of a second vulnerability on Apple devices and hijack the machines. In a statement, WhatsApp said that fewer than 200 users worldwide had potentially been impacted. Donncha O Cearbhaill, who heads Amnesty's Security Lab, told Reuters that his group was starting to collect forensic data from potential victims. In a post on X, he said that initial signs were that the hacking "was impacting both iPhone and Android users, civil society individuals among them." He said other apps beyond WhatsApp may also have been affected. Earlier in August, An unusually broad coalition composed of the United States, its traditional English-speaking allies, and other nations including Germany, Italy and Japan are calling out three Chinese companies over alleged hacking activity. In a 37-page advisory published Wednesday, the countries accused the firms, Sichuan Juxinhe Network Technology

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WhatsApp is evolving beyond simple messaging. With nearly three billion global users, parent company Meta is integrating artificial intelligence and monetisation features into the app, reshaping how people chat, create, and earn. For South Africans, these updates could significantly impact personal communication and small business operations. AI Writing Help: Smarter Messaging Meta has introduced AI-powered Writing Help, a feature designed to make messaging faster, clearer, and more polished. It can: Rephrase text for better clarity Fix spelling and grammar Adjust the tone to be formal, casual, or supportive Importantly, Meta says the tool uses Private Processing, meaning messages stay on-device and aren’t sent to Meta’s servers. The feature is currently available for iOS users in English, with broader language support and Android rollout expected soon. For South Africans juggling work chats, school groups, and business conversations, this could make professional communication smoother and reduce embarrassing typos. Ads, Channels, and Monetisation Tools Meta is expanding WhatsApp into a revenue-generating platform with several new features: Ads in the Updates Tab — While personal chats remain ad-free, promotional content will soon appear under Status and Channels. Paid Subscription Channels — Creators, brands, and communities will be able to charge for exclusive content. Business

Update, Aug 27: The feature was officially launched today for English-speaking users, according to the official WhatsApp blog. Original post below. In the latest TestFlight release for its iOS beta testers, WhatsApp rolled out a tool called “Writing Help,” which suggests replies based on the tone set by the user. Here’s how it works. As noted by WABetaInfo : When Private Processing is enabled from the app settings, some users will notice that after typing a short phrase within the chat text input, the sticker icon in the chat bar is replaced with a pen symbol. This new icon indicates that the AI assistant is available to provide writing suggestions. Tapping it allows the user to instantly request improvements to structure, tone, or clarity, making it easier to craft polished and personalized messages before sending them. In practice, Writing Help offers “at least three” alternative phrasings, based on one of five tones that the user can choose from: Rephrase: improves clarity and flow without changing meaning Professional: adjusts language for more formal chats Funny: adds a lighter or a humorous twist Supportive: softens the tone and aims to be uplifting Proofread: fixes spelling and grammar issues After reviewing the results

Meta is adding a new AI-powered writing tool to WhatsApp, promising users smarter ways to phrase their messages without compromising privacy. WhatsApp has introduced a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help users improve the way they write messages. The tool, called “Writing Help,” allows people to rephrase, proofread or adjust the tone of their chats, the Meta-owned company announced on Wednesday. The feature is powered by Meta’s Private Processing technology, which ensures that neither Meta nor WhatsApp can read users’ original messages or the suggested rewrites. “This means messages on the platform remain private even if people use the new tool,” the company said. With Writing Help, users can generate alternatives in different styles, including professional, funny, supportive or simply rephrased. To demonstrate the tool, WhatsApp shared an example where the original message read: “Please don’t leave dirty socks on the sofa.” The AI suggested humorous rewrites such as “Please don’t make the sofa a sock graveyard,” “Breaking news: Socks found chilling on the couch. Please move them,” and “Hey, sock ninja, the laundry basket is that way!” The rollout highlights WhatsApp’s attempt to keep users inside its own app ecosystem rather than turning to external AI tools like