Hackers target messaging service WhatsApp

Hackers have targeted the popular messaging service WhatsApp by creating malware-loaded gifs and sending them out to users, it has emerged.

The major security flaw meant what is known as a 'double-free vulnerability' was triggered if a user opened the short animation sent directly to their smartphone, leaving them open to theft of their financial details, personal files and chat history.

Cyber researcher Awakened discovered the bug, which specifically targeted Android devices this time.

WhatsApp has already issued a fix and insisted there is no reason to believe anyone was negatively affected by the malware, but it has urged users to update their app to the latest version to be on the safe side.

First created in 2009, WhatsApp now has more than 1.5 billion global users, including many businesses. It is now owned by Facebook and is currently testing a feature that will see messages disappear after they are sent.