A security flaw on the WhatsApp app can allow hackers to hijack your phone, simply by sending a GIF, and was discovered by WhatsApp. This bug allows hackers to steal files, and view chat messages on those Android devices that are compromised.  The bug was actually discovered by a researcher who goes by the name of ‘Awakened’.

The malware is known as a double-free vulnerability, and it’s only triggered if a user opens the specially create GIF in WhatsApp. So as a safety precaution, we advise you not to open gifs, or anything really, from a number you don’t recognise, or is suspicious.

The hack apparently works well for phones and devices that are running Android 8.1 and Android 9, so they’re less effective on older devices, as Awakened mentions in his blog post.

WhatsApp has already issued a fix, but you’ll have to update to the latest version on the Google Play Store, so we highly recommend you go do that now. You never know who’s lurking, trying to steal your data and memes.