A link that claims to turn Whatsapp into Pink colour and says it comes with new features has been spreading on the internet, however, cyber experts have cautioned users against it as it is a virus that can compromise privacy of users.
According to cybersecurity experts, clicking on the link claiming to be an official update from Whatsapp will hack the user's phone and they may lose access to their Whatsapp.
'Beware of Whatsapp Pink! A virus is being spread in Whatsapp groups with an APK download link. Don't click on any link with the name of #WhatsappPink. Complete access to your phone will be lost,' cybersecurity expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia posted on social media platforms.
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Several Whatsapp users were seen sharing the malicious link.
Cyber intelligence firm Voyager Infosec director Jiten Jain said that users are strictly advised never to install an APK or mobile app other than those available on the official app store of Google or Apple.
'Such malicious apps can be used to compromise your phone and steal personal data like - photos, SMS, contacts, etc. Keyboard based malware can be used to track everything you type. It can be used to capture and steal banking passwords. The current case of Pink Whatsapp or Whatsapp Gold is also a case of malware impersonating as fake Whatsapp feature apps,' Jatin said.
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When contacted, Whatsapp said, 'Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic and 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 a contact.'
