WhatsApp users have been subjected to yet another malware attack by online criminals. The most recent threat comes in the form of a connection shared on the chat platform that allows hackers to gain access to the computer it is opened on.
WhatsApp Pink is the name of the latest threat link, which claims to be able to change WhatsApp’s theme from its classic green to pink color. The connection also includes additional features to entice victims, as well as an attempt to legitimize its presence by declaring the theme to be WhatsApp’s latest official look. Several WhatsApp users have confirmed receiving such a connection on their phones, with many of them forwarding it without realizing what it was for.
However, a cyber expert has cautioned that the connection is merely a tool for hackers to gain access to a target system and does not perform the functions advertised. In some cases, the connection can lock victims out of their WhatsApp accounts or even their smartphones.
The expert warns that the connection is deceptive enough to give the hacker complete control of your phone and its contents.
Taking to Twitter, cybersecurity expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia wrote, “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”.
Needless to say, this is not an official WhatsApp update and was created solely to trick users into downloading malicious links. In the past, WhatsApp has been the victim of such targeted attacks. Online threat actors have also used the chat app as a playground. Unverified information is easily distributed across WhatsApp groups, which contributes to the issue.
At a time like this, the most popular safety tip is to avoid clicking on any unverified or suspicious links. WhatsApp users are also advised to stick to the updates provided by WhatsApp and not search for any third-party changes to make to the app.
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