Scam Alert! WhatsApp malicious link to change app theme will hack your phone.
WhatsApp Pink is in circulation as a malicious app that could steal your data once installed and allows the bad guys to gain access to your phone to gain access to your phone. A message has been sent to some users, which contains a link pretending to provide the existing WhatsApp experience in Pink.
However, instead of bringing any changes to the original WhatsApp installation, the link leads to a page with an option to download the malicious WhatsApp Pink app on their phones. The app notably has no relation with WhatsApp nor with Facebook.
According to top cybersecurity experts, it’s a virus that allows cybercriminals to hack and take control of your phone. The virus can also take control of your Whatsapp account, and remove you from accessing it.
India’s Cybersecurity Expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia tweeted.
“Beware of WhatsApp Pink!! A Virus is being spread in WhatsApp groups with an APK download link. Don’t click any link with the name of #WhatsappPink. Complete access to your phone will be lost,”
Source: Twitter
Interestingly, the malicious WhatsApp Pink looks identical to the main application, making it difficult for users to distinguish. However, there are a few things that look different, i.e. Settings menu.
Regular WhatsApp users will know that the features mentioned here are not a part of the main app.
WhatsApp has released an official statement to the media:
“Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic or suspicious message on any service, including email, and anytime that happens we strongly encourage everyone to use caution before responding or engaging,”
WhatsApp said in a prepared statement
“On WhatsApp in particular, we also recommend that people use the tools that we provide within the app to send us a report, report a contact or block contact.”
This is not the first time that a fake WhatsApp version has been in circulation. In the past, people were attacked with WhatsApp Gold, which was created by data thieves to maliciously gain access to your information
The Highlights of this Scam are
- WhatsApp Pink link is being circulated online that claims to change your WhatsApp theme from green to pink.
- This is a malware link that can allow hackers control of your phone.
- The APK is disguised as an official WhatsApp update.
In order for you to not become a victim of this scam here are few tips that can help you to stay digitally safe.
How to spot a fake app?
- Identify the link, check the keywords, spelling errors and grammatical mistakes in the message and URL
- Always avoid clicking on links which promise a reward or gift to claim
- Do not share suspicious links to anyone
- Always check the official website of the application and cross check if there is any official statement or a feature that says the same as the suspicious message. If not, then never click or say what has been instructed in the message
- Go to either Google Play store or Apple app store to update the official application
- Never download any irrelevant APK’s from unfamiliar sources.
To receive more advice, and learn how to become scam aware, sign up to Siccura Cybershield or Siccura Cybersafe.