The 19-year-old, KS Ananthakrishna, is a B.Tech student at the Pathanamthitta Mount Zion College of Engineering Kerala . According to a Mathrubhumi report, Ananthakrishna spotted the bug two months ago which allowed others to completely erase files on WhatsApp without the user’s knowledge. A resident of Alappuzha, Ananthakrishna informed Facebook about the bug and also attached a solution, the report added.
A talented 19-year-old engineer recently made headlines after successfully resolving a significant bug in WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Facebook. This young innovator, whose passion for technology and problem-solving has been evident from an early age, dedicated countless hours to identifying and fixing the issue that had been affecting users worldwide. His keen analytical skills and determination not only led to a swift resolution but also showcased his potential as a rising star in the tech industry.
In recognition of his impressive achievement, Facebook honored the young engineer, acknowledging his contribution to enhancing the user experience on WhatsApp. The company expressed its gratitude for his hard work and ingenuity, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in improving their services. This recognition not only serves as a testament to the engineer’s skills but also highlights the value of fresh perspectives in tackling complex challenges within the tech landscape.
The story of this young engineer serves as an inspiring reminder of how innovation can come from unexpected places. It encourages aspiring tech enthusiasts to pursue their passions and engage with the digital world, as they too may have the potential to make a significant impact. As technology continues to evolve, the contributions of young minds like his will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of communication and beyond.
In recent reports, researchers had raised concerns about a bug in Facebook Messenger, which permitted websites access to the app’s 130 crore global users’ data, such as who are they chatting with. It was later fixed. In November, another bug was spotted in Facebook which allowed websites to extract users’ data through cross-site frame leakage (CSFL)- a side-channel attack on a user’s web browser.
Ananthakrishna landed up on the 80th spot on Facebook’s list this year. Reportedly, he keeps himself busy exploring the internet to do research on ethical hacking. He worked for Kerala Police Cyberdome, a research and development center of Kerala Police.
Facebook took Ananthakrishna’s solution into consideration. After two months of observation, Facebook decided to honor the 19-year-old for providing them with a successful solution. Reportedly, Ananthakrishna was given a cash prize of $500 (approximately Rs. 34,000). Facebook also gave him a spot on their coveted Hall of Fame, which the tech giant does only when someone reports serious lapses in their applications.
