Why you SHOULD download Snapchat’s terrible new update right now
Avoiding Snapchat's controversial new update might seem light a good idea, but The Sun has learned that it could actually be really dangerous
SNAPCHAT'S latest update has been slammed by users over its confusing design, leading many Snapchatters to avoid updating the app.
But cybersecurity experts have warned The Sun that using older versions of Snapchat could leave you at risk of being hacked.
Norton's Nick Shaw told us: "The recent Snapchat update has introduced a range of design updates, but it's important to keep in mind that updates to apps perform a myriad of tasks.
";Device and application updates also have the important function of fixing bugs and patching security vulnerabilities to protect consumers from the latest security threats."
Snapchat began rolling out its latest app update in the UK earlier this month, making sweeping changes to the app's design.
Users have moaned about the changes however, and a petition to scrap the update has been signed more than a million times.
The internet is now awash with guides on how to either (1) avoid the update completely, or (2) revert back to an older version of Snapchat – but both of these tactics carry big risks.
But doing so could put your phone at risk, as FireEye's Jens Monrad explained to The Sun: "Ignoring updates to applications you use is never a good idea.
"Not only do they come with updates that address vulnerabilities – sometimes severe vulnerabilities that are exploited by cybercriminals – but they can also cause issues with other applications and the operating system itself.
"If a discovered vulnerability can be exploited, it's very likely that cybercriminals will attempt to use it."
Monrad explained that hackers could capitalise on the fact that you haven't updated your app and try to steal info like "pictures, sensitive personal data, or credentials".
Alert Logic's Oliver Pinson-Roxburgh revealed that major security holes in Snapchat have been plugged with previous updates, so it's important to keep the app updated.
"Keeping up with patches is critical. Snapchat has made improvements over the years in response to a number of vulnerabilities.
"These have included people being able to access local pictures, even without sophisticated technical skills, gathering the geolocation of users, making their whereabouts vulnerable."
According to Norton, one in 20 British consumers never update software on their device, putting a huge number of Brits at risk of attack.
ESET security specialist Mark James said it's easy to "make things so much harder for the bad guys" by keeping apps like Snapchat updated.
He says in the case of Snapchat, the new design might be annoying, but avoiding the update isn't worth the risk.
"My advice would be to always keep them updated, and if you're not happy about something, make it known – contact the owners or look for like-minded groups to join and have your say."
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"For apps to be popular, the public has to install and use them. If enough users complain, the makers will listen and may make changes, but please do not jeopardise your privacy by not updating."
In a statement given to The Sun, a Snapchat spokesperson said: "Updates as big as this one can take a little getting used to, but we hope the community will enjoy it once they settle in."
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