Despite constantly introducing privacy-focused features, WhatsApp has turned into a haven for illicit online activity. A recent WhatsApp fraud that exploits a known contact to take over an account has been observed. A short while later, security experts discovered a serious hole in the platform’s ID verification system that allowed an attacker to remotely delete a user account permanently. Now, WhatsApp users must contend with WhatsApp Pink, a virus that provides an attacker full control over their smartphones.
Beware of WhatsApp Pink
According to reports, the malware, which is presently spreading through WhatsApp groups as an APK link, enables an attacker to gain total control of your device. It promises to be an official new design for WhatsApp that can change the app’s colour scheme from the dull old green to a brand-new pink theme. The threat link is called WhatsApp Pink.
Security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia was the first to notice the malware, which even includes a few photos showing WhatsApp‘s new pink colour scheme. Last Saturday, Rajaharia posted the pictures and a warning to Twitter. Check out the tweet that is attached just below.
Beware of WhatsApp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>@WhatsApp Pink!! A Virus is being spread in WhatsApp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>#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..#InfoSec #Virus @IndianCERT @internetfreedom @jackerhack @sanjg2k1 pic.twitter.com/KbbtK536F2
Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 17, 2021
Now that you’ve seen it, the pictures do not appear to be official at all. Users who are not very tech-savvy or are ignorant of the trap could click the link and download the software to their device. And, according to Rajaharia, doing so will enable the culprit (the virus’s originator) to have total control over their gadgets.
Therefore, do not tap or click on a link that seems similar to download WhatsApp Pink if it comes from, say, a relative in your family group. Additionally, as soon as you get it, tell the other group members not to click the link.
Thanks to Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia/Twitter) for the featured image.