Link previews in chat apps could be privacy risk, warns cybersecurity specialist

The way that some apps generate link previews could expose users to privacy risks and potentially waste gigabytes of mobile data. — AFP

The way link previews are created in messaging apps could expose users to privacy and security risks, and potentially even waste gigabytes of mobile data if not done properly, warned cybersecurity researchers.

In a report titled ‘Link Previews: How A Simple Feature Can Have Privacy And Security Risks’, researchers Tommy Mysk and Talal Haj Bakry found that the feature came with unexpected vulnerabilities, from exposing users’ IP addresses and running malicious code to unnecessarily downloading excessive amounts of data and draining device battery.