Fake and malicious WhatsApp versions circulate on multiple app stores

July 22, 2022
Fake Malicious Apps WhatsApp App Stores Mobile Apps

WhatsApp’s CEO published an advisory on Twitter after fake versions of the messaging application were spotted circulating in numerous app stores. According to the messaging platform, WhatsApp users should be careful of downloading from unknown sources since they are being impersonated by a malicious application that poses as legitimate.

The incident happened after the company’s security team noticed the fake apps containing malware that attempted to steal their users’ personal information. The security also reminded its users that most of these malware operators often host infected premium applications and app stores on other platforms for users to download their fake apps.

Moreover, the company’s owner said that the malware programs endorsed new features to attract new users or old users who wanted to upgrade their original application. However, the new feature promised by the malware author is an information stealer that will attempt to steal the user’s data.

The Twitter thread continues a series of warnings, especially for a new application called “Hey WhatsApp.” The alarm also revealed that the malware developers hosted numerous malicious applications on its website.

 

The WhatsApp spokesperson advised users that their app is safe if downloaded from official app stores.

 

A representative of WhatsApp answered the question of most of its users’ queries, such as “Is older WhatsApp still safe?” The spokesperson responded that the current WhatsApp is reliable, but if a user needs to update it, they should ensure that the store they will use is not a third-party store.

They recommended that users use the Google Play Store, which employs Google Play Protect. The Google Play Protect can detect and disable previously downloaded versions of the fake WhatsApp applications.

Moreover, it is unlikely that these fake apps can affect Google Play as it ensures the legitimacy of its endorsed applications.

The company recommends that users access their official download page for downloading their software from an authorised seller. However, if WhatsApp discovers proof of users using unsupported versions on their smartphones, they will execute a temporary ban of the users’ access to their application.

About the author

Leave a Reply