WhatsApp Security Alert: Indian Government Issues High-Risk Warning for Users

The Government of India has issued a high-risk security alert for millions of WhatsApp users across the country. According to the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), a severe vulnerability has been detected in certain versions of WhatsApp for iOS and macOS. If not updated immediately, users’ private chats and sensitive data could be exposed to attackers.

Why Has the Alert Been Issued?

CERT-In revealed that the vulnerability is linked to the way WhatsApp handles linked devices. The flaw allows hackers to exploit the weakness by luring users into clicking malicious or fake links. Once tricked, attackers may gain unauthorized access to personal conversations, confidential files, and stored data on the device.

This poses a serious threat because WhatsApp is not just a personal messaging app anymore—it is widely used for business communications, financial interactions, and official exchanges.

Which Versions Are Affected?

The advisory highlights that users of outdated versions are at the highest risk. Specifically:

• WhatsApp for iOS versions older than 2.25.21.73.

• WhatsApp Business for iOS versions older than 2.25.21.78.

• WhatsApp for Mac versions released before 2.25.21.78.

Anyone using these versions must upgrade immediately to the latest release.

Double Threat Possibility

The government agency also warned that this vulnerability, though dangerous on its own, could become even more damaging if combined with another Apple security bug (CVE-2025-43300). In such cases, attackers might be able to execute powerful dual attacks that give them multiple entry points into a user’s device.

This means that cybercriminals may have more than one method to steal data, making the threat significantly more severe.

Potential Impact on Indian Users

India is among the largest markets for WhatsApp, with hundreds of millions of active users relying on the platform daily. A breach of this scale could impact personal users, businesses, and even government offices that use WhatsApp for communication.

If left unpatched, the vulnerability may expose:

• Private chats between individuals.

• Confidential business conversations.

• Stored documents, multimedia files, and shared links.

• Sensitive customer information for small businesses using WhatsApp Business.

Steps to Stay Safe

CERT-In has recommended immediate preventive actions to minimize the risk. Users should:

1. Update WhatsApp to the latest version on iOS and macOS devices.

2. Avoid clicking on unknown links or suspicious URLs.

3. Refrain from opening messages from unverified sources until the app is updated.

4. Regularly check for app updates in the App Store or official website.

No Official Statement from Meta Yet

While the government has already issued its advisory, Meta (the parent company of WhatsApp) has not released an official statement. Traditionally, Meta addresses vulnerabilities quickly and rolls out patch updates to secure affected users.

Experts suggest that an official fix is likely in progress, but until then, users must rely on government-issued guidance and keep their apps updated.

Why This Alert Matters

WhatsApp has become India’s default messaging app, used for everything from family conversations to professional discussions. With features like payments, file sharing, and business accounts, the app has access to significant amounts of user data.

A vulnerability of this scale could expose users to:

• Identity theft.

• Financial fraud through malicious links.

• Leakage of private conversations.

• Unauthorized access to personal files and contacts.

This is why the government has emphasized that the advisory should not be ignored under any circumstances.

Government’s Security Push

Over the past few years, the Indian government has increased focus on digital safety and cybersecurity. With the growing use of smartphones and apps like WhatsApp, ensuring that users are aware of potential risks is a critical part of national cybersecurity strategy.

The advisory issued by CERT-In is part of a wider effort to:

• Protect citizens from phishing and malware attacks.

• Strengthen awareness of cyber hygiene.

• Ensure secure communication practices across personal and professional networks.

What Users Should Do Immediately

If you are using WhatsApp on iOS or Mac, you must:

• Head to the App Store.

• Search for WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business.

• Download the latest available update.

• Verify that your app version matches or exceeds the safe versions listed by CERT-In.

If you continue using outdated versions, your chats and data could remain vulnerable to hackers.

The WhatsApp high-risk security alert issued by the Indian government is a reminder of how crucial app updates are in protecting digital privacy. With cyberattacks becoming more sophisticated, even a single unpatched vulnerability can lead to massive data exposure.

For millions of WhatsApp users in India, the solution is simple: update the app immediately and avoid suspicious links. Ignoring the advisory could expose your chats, personal data, and even financial information to hackers.

WhatsApp remains one of the most trusted communication tools in India, but only if users ensure that their devices are running the latest secure versions. By updating regularly and staying alert, you can continue using the app safely without risking your privacy.