Everyone using WhatsApp must check their settings now and follow urgent advice

Technology WhatsApp WhatsApp has confirmed new issues which could leave phones vulnerable to attack. 08:33, 14 May 2026 Updated 08:34, 14 May 2026 Anyone using WhatsApp to chat with friends and family should check their settings and ensure they have the latest version of the app installed. Security researchers have confirmed two concerning software vulnerabilities within the popular messaging service, one affecting how media files and attachments are handled, and another impacting WhatsApp for Windows users. Experts at Malwarebytes warned that while the flaws do not automatically infect devices, they could make it easier for cybercriminals to carry out social engineering attacks or combine them with other vulnerabilities for more serious threats. According to the company, a malicious message could potentially trick a device into opening content from an untrusted source. The vulnerabilities, identified as CVE-2026-23866 and CVE-2026-23863, were discovered through Meta’s Bug Bounty programme. At the moment, there is no evidence that either flaw has been exploited in real-world attacks or used to infect phones. WhatsApp said it has “not seen evidence of exploitation in the wild.” However, the Meta-owned firm has released an update with the company strongly recommending users check their settings. To remain protected, users should
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