India Orders Messaging Apps to Work Only With Active SIM Cards to Prevent Fraud and Misuse

The Hacker News

December 2, 2025 at 5:46 PM

Summary

India's Department of Telecommunications has mandated that messaging apps must operate only with active SIM cards linked to users' mobile numbers. This measure aims to curb fraud and misuse associated with these platforms, highlighting the government's focus on enhancing cybersecurity and user accountability in digital communication.

Original Article Summary

India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has issued directions to app-based communication service providers to ensure that the platforms cannot be used without an active SIM card linked to the user's mobile number. To that end, messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, Sharechat, Josh, JioChat, and Signal that use an Indian mobile number for uniquely identifying their

Impact

WhatsApp, Telegram, Snapchat, Arattai, Sharechat, Josh, JioChat, Signal

In the Wild

Timeline

Newly disclosed

Remediation

Messaging apps must implement verification processes to ensure users are linked to active SIM cards.

Read Original Article

Related Coverage

Week in review: React, Node.js flaw patched, ransomware intrusion exposes espionage foothold

Help Net Security

The article highlights recent developments in cybersecurity, including a patched flaw in React and Node.js, as well as a ransomware intrusion that has revealed an espionage foothold. These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges in securing software frameworks and the risks posed by cyber threats to sensitive information.

Dec 7, 2025

Attackers launch dual campaign on GlobalProtect portals and SonicWall APIs

Security Affairs

A hacking campaign has been targeting GlobalProtect logins and scanning SonicWall APIs since December 2, 2025. The attack is significant due to its scale, involving over 7,000 IP addresses linked to a German hosting provider, indicating a coordinated effort that poses a serious threat to the security of affected systems.

Dec 6, 2025

Researchers Uncover 30+ Flaws in AI Coding Tools Enabling Data Theft and RCE Attacks

The Hacker News

Over 30 security vulnerabilities have been identified in AI-powered Integrated Development Environments (IDEs), collectively termed IDEsaster. These vulnerabilities combine prompt injection techniques with legitimate features, allowing for potential data exfiltration and remote code execution, posing significant risks to developers and organizations using these tools.

Dec 6, 2025

Your smart home is at risk - 6 ways to protect your devices from attack

Attackers hit React defect as researchers quibble over proof

CyberScoop

The article discusses a React vulnerability that has been reportedly exploited by attackers, leading to a debate among researchers about the existence of concrete evidence for these attacks. While some researchers claim to have seen proof of concepts demonstrating the exploit, others argue that there is insufficient evidence of actual attacks occurring, complicating the response efforts.

Dec 5, 2025

Barts Health NHS discloses data breach after Oracle zero-day hack

BleepingComputer

Barts Health NHS Trust has reported a data breach involving the Clop ransomware group, which exploited a vulnerability in the Oracle E-business Suite software to steal files from their database. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with unpatched software vulnerabilities and the potential for significant data loss in healthcare organizations.

Dec 5, 2025