Key Highlights:
- The malicious link claims to be an official update from WhatsApp.
- Users will lose access to their accounts and data after clicking on the link.
- The WhatsApp Pink looks identical to the main application and has new features.
Warning: Change of WhatsApp Default Theme
After a link claiming to change WhatsApp default theme from green to pink went viral, cybersecurity experts reported that it is a virus.
According to cyber experts, the link claims to be an official update from WhatsApp, and users will lose access to their data and account after clicking on it. The link is a virus and clicking on it will allow cybercriminals to hack users’ phones.
The Virus Link
Several WhatsApp users were seen sharing a malicious link that claimed to be an official update from WhatsApp. The link changed the default theme of the app from green to pink and came with new features.
Surprisingly, the updated WhatsApp Pink looks identical to the original application, making it hard for users to differentiate. However, few things like the Settings menu looked different. Only avid users will be able to distinguish between the two and know that the features mentioned there are not part of the main app.
Warning Issued by Cyber Experts
After the link was spotted making rounds on the internet, cybersecurity experts issued a warning against the usage and sharing of the link, alerting that it may provide cyber criminals access to users’ phones.
Cyber security expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia also alerted users on social media, “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.”
How to be Safe from #WhatsAppPink Virus
1. Uninstall #WhatsAppPink Immediately.
2. Unlink all Whatsapp Web Devices.
3. Clear Browser cache from settings.
4. Check Permission for all Apps.
5. If found any suspicious permission to any app, revoke it.#InfoSec #CyberSecurity https://t.co/GoyRz5B6b4 pic.twitter.com/bZcf9Xr1Ub— Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 19, 2021
Advises from Cyber Experts
Cyber intelligence firm Voyager Infosec director Jiten Jain strictly advised users never to install any APK or mobile app other than those available on the official App store of Google or Apple.
He further added, “Such malicious apps can be used to compromise your phone and steal personal data like photos, sms, contacts, etc. Keyboard-based malware can be used to track everything you type. It can be used to capture and steal banking passwords. The current case of Pink WhatsApp or WhatsApp Gold is also a case of malware impersonating as fake WhatsApp feature apps.”
WhatsApp said, “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. 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.”
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