Technology
Beware ‘WhatsApp Pink’ text that could hack your phone – what to do if you get it
WHATSAPP users are being warned about a malicious link to an app that claims it can turn the messaging platform pink.
The ‘WhatsApp Pink’ message was highlighted as a scam by a security researcher in India who said it contains malware which could let a hacker take over your phone.
Rajesh 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 WhatsApp Pink. Complete access to your phone will be lost. Share with All..”
Rajaharia later stated that only Android users can be affected by the WhatsApp Pink virus.
‘WhatsApp Pink’ can reportedly let hackers take over your phone[/caption]
He claims clicking the link could let hackers take over your phone and even message your contacts.
He also stressed that your data could be lost.
The malicious message seems to be circulating in India where a lot of news outlets have warned WhatsApp users to avoid any link associated with WhatsApp Pink.
According to Business Insider India, WhatsApp users have been circulating the link unknowingly.
The publication also said there’s other versions of the malware that claim to turn your WhatsApp gold instead of the standard green.
The malicious messages also claim to offer new WhatsApp features.
Experts advise never downloading an app unless it’s on the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
If you receive a message about downloading a pink version of WhatsApp, don’t click the link and you may even want to delete the conversation.
A WhatsApp spokesperson has said in a statement: “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.”
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here’s what you need to know…
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum – former employees of Yahoo
- It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally
Most read in Phones & Gadgets
In other news, gambling websites have been using seemingly innocent kids games on the Apple App Store as a disguise for their platforms.
Facebook is trialling a video call speed dating app called Sparked.
And, Google is bringing out a feature to help Android users avoid collisions when texting and walking.
Have you had any problems with WhatsApp recently? Let us know in the comments…
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