A simple coding error in at least 685 apps put millions of smartphone users at risk of having some of their calls and text messages intercepted by hackers, cybersecurity firm Appthority warned on Nov 9. 

Developers mistakenly coded credentials for accessing text messaging, calling and other services provided by Twilio Inc, said Appthority's director of security research, Seth Hardy. Hackers could access those credentials by reviewing the code in the apps, then gain access to data sent over those services, he said.