Using Device Linking to Eavesdrop on WhatsApp and Signal (www.schneier.com)
<p>Modern messaging apps allow users to link their phone accounts to their computer desktop. Eavesdroppers are <a href="https://cybernews.com/privacy/police-telegram-whatsapp-signal-surveillance-linked-devices/">taking advantage</a> of this capability:</p>
<blockquote><p>Apps such as WhatsApp Web and Signal Desktop allow people to use their accounts on other devices, such as laptops or desktop computers.</p>
<p>Germany’s Customs Office has been using these features to connect a police-controlled computer to a suspect’s account.</p>
<p>Once connected, messages can be delivered to that computer without the police having to crack the encryption protecting them.</p>
<p><a href="https://netzpolitik.org/2026/messenger-ueberwachung-immer-mehr-polizei-ueberwacht-messenger-wie-whatsapp/#2026-02-20_ZKA_Messenger-Ueberwachung">Netzpoltik details</a> that police are able to gain access in this way either through physical access to someone’s phone or by intercepting verification codes via a state-sanctioned phishing attack or intercepting SMS messages via telephone surveillance...</p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p>Apps such as WhatsApp Web and Signal Desktop allow people to use their accounts on other devices, such as laptops or desktop computers.</p>
<p>Germany’s Customs Office has been using these features to connect a police-controlled computer to a suspect’s account.</p>
<p>Once connected, messages can be delivered to that computer without the police having to crack the encryption protecting them.</p>
<p><a href="https://netzpolitik.org/2026/messenger-ueberwachung-immer-mehr-polizei-ueberwacht-messenger-wie-whatsapp/#2026-02-20_ZKA_Messenger-Ueberwachung">Netzpoltik details</a> that police are able to gain access in this way either through physical access to someone’s phone or by intercepting verification codes via a state-sanctioned phishing attack or intercepting SMS messages via telephone surveillance...</p></blockquote>
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