WhatsApp is an important messaging app used by millions of people worldwide. Its instant messaging service has made it easy for people to reach others immediately. However, since it makes use of the internet, it becomes important to ensure the safety and security of people.
While WhatsApp has several security features and has focused on improving privacy features, it has become a place for nefarious online activities that have caused trouble to several people. Several hackers and scammers have used it as a breeding ground to attack people’s accounts and take control of it.
On looking closely, security researchers found a huge flaw in the applications’ ID verification system wherein the scammer can easily deactivate the user’s account permanently. After this scam, there is a new virus which is known as “WhatsApp pink” that gives the attacker access to their devices.
What is “WhatsApp Pink”?
This virus has been circulating in different groups as an APK link which once opened, gives the attacker complete control and access to the user’s device. The APK link name is “WhatsApp pink” which appears harmless as it claims to change the look of your old WhatsApp to a new pink theme.
This virus was first spotted by a security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia. It comes with different images that show how your WhatsApp will look once you download and apply this theme.
This virus was first spotted by a security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia. It comes with different images that show how your WhatsApp will look once you download and apply this theme. Once Mr. Rajaharia found the threat this virus possessed, he tweeted the same on his Twitter account and even shared the pictures so that people could be made aware of the same.
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..#InfoSec #Virus @IndianCERT @internetfreedom @jackerhack @sanjg2k1 pic.twitter.com/KbbtK536F2
— Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 17, 2021
While a tech-savvy person can immediately recognize that these pictures are fake and not real, it is not the case with maximum WhatsApp users who cannot differentiate between a fake and legit image. So, it is important to make them aware of not downloading any such link as it can be extremely harmful to the user. If taken control, the attacker will have complete access to the user’s confidential data which can be heavily misused.
If you receive such a WhatsApp forward from anyone at all, do not open it. Immediately spread the word about how harmful this pink virus is so that no one falls prey to it as it might breach their privacy.
