WhatsApp warns against fake apps that steal your personal data

This is now common knowledge, Hackers are legion on WhatsApp. The math is simple: The app has millions of users worldwide, which means there are plenty of potential victims to get caught in its network. If phishing campaigns are most commonly used, hackers don’t hesitate to get creative to avoid detection, like this attack that only requires a simple call to take over a person’s account.

But there is another threat that is especially common: fake apps. On Twitter, WhatsApp boss Will Cathcart explains that many apps claim to mimic messaging while offering additional features to lure their victims. The latter specifically mentions Hey what’s upA malicious alternative developed by a certain HeyMods.

Watch out for these fake apps that imitate WhatsApp

“These apps promised new features but were nothing more than a scam to steal personal information stored on smartphones.”So writes Will Cathcart, who later states: “We shared our findings with Google and worked with them to combat malicious apps.”. As a matter of fact, these fake applications are not available on the Play Store or App Store, but on the web. in APK format.

In other words, only Android users are threatened with theseApple doesn’t yet allow apps from third-party developers to be installed on its iPhones; This situation may soon change in Europe. Google Play Protect can now detect these threats even after the app is activated on a person’s smartphone.

“Smartphone malware is a harmful threat that must be combated, and cybersecurity experts must continue to develop new ways to prevent its spread.”WhatsApp’s boss finishes before reminding him that it’s always more prudent to finish his words switch from classic blinds downloading applications or failing to do so, Download APKs from official websites.