Users have been warned about fake WhatsApp and it looks exactly like the original one.
WhatsApp, the instant messaging app has become a go-to app for texting, calling, video calling, business purposes and much more across the globe. Unfortunately, its growing popularity has made it a hotbed for cybercriminals. Recently, a fake WhatsApp app has popped up on the internet and it is scamming users as it is packed with malware. It allows hackers to compromise users’ accounts and steal their information. Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp at Meta, has warned users against this fake WhatsApp that can cause severe damage to users’ phone’s data. He tweeted, “Recently our security team discovered hidden malware within apps – offered outside of Google Play – from a developer called “HeyMods” that included “Hey WhatsApp” and others.”
In a series of tweets, he explained how this fake WhatsApp promised new features to attract users and steal their personal information stored on their phones.
He shared that these apps are generally downloaded from third-party sources, such as the web.
Meanwhile, Chartered security professional, James Bore, told The Sun of another risk that these knock-off apps can pose. He is quoted as saying, “The normal line with these types of knockoff malicious apps is to simply capture and exploit personal data.” He further added that if users are using it with details such as their WhatsApp account then the hackers can impersonate them.
He recommended installing apps only from authorized sources, such as the official Google Play Store or the Apple App Store in order to save themselves from attacka by these malicious apps.
Cathcart too asked users to download it from trusted app stores like Google Play Store or App Store or install it directly from Whatsapp’s official website in order to protect themselves from any malware attacks. He wrote, “If you see friends or family using a different form of WhatsApp please encourage them to only use WhatsApp from a trusted app store or our official website directly at http://WhatsApp.com/dl.”
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