Companies will pay up to $20 million to anyone who hacks WhatsApp

Malicious programs that can hack WhatsApp to allow unauthorized access to messages could cost up to $20 millionaccording to this TechCrunch. Documents obtained by the website show how the price of this type of malware has increased in recent years.

According to the report published on Thursday (5), the amount equivalent to R$ 103 million at current prices was offered by a Russian company last week. Was interested in purchasing “zero-day hacks”Exploiting flaws unknown to the software developer.

The malware will be provided by the company to a group of customers consisting of “private and government organizations” based in Russia and Remotely compromise Android phones and iPhones. This amount is well above the amount collected in 2021.

Also according to the post, the malware will exploit zero-day flaw in WhatsApp two years ago it cost between US$1.7 million and US$8 million (R$8.78 million to R$41.3 million).. The low amount indicates a zero-click attack targeting Messenger on Android, which does not require any user action to compromise the program.

Why has hacking WhatsApp become so expensive?

constants Meta messaging app updatesThese features, which strengthen the security of the service, are cited as one of the reasons for the increase in hacking costs. In addition, tools launched by operating systems, such as the iOS lock mode, make it difficult for the platform to be invaded and data stolen.

The site mentions Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as another reason for the price increase. Many tech experts He refused to work with Vladimir Putin’s government As the fighting continues, they change their minds, demanding the payment of bonuses, but the increase is also taking place outside Russian territory.

Attacks targeting WhatsApp are mostly targeted Employees of government agencies, such as intelligence agencies and regulatory agencies, According to the report. By spying on the program, attackers can get what they need from messages sent through the application and avoid compromising the entire mobile phone.

At least Three flaws that could be exploited in hacks mentioned in the documents were fixed by messenger between 2020 and 2021.. Meta did not comment on the matter.