Recently, WhatsApp users have been receiving a message with a link from their friends’ circles saying that it will update the application and enable video calling feature. The link is not actually an official updater but a hackers’ bait for WhatsApp users. It is found to be uploading your sensitive information and contacts list on your phone to hackers’ databases.
How it works?
Just like many other average spams, this video calling feature spam also impersonates the original updater like UI when clicked on the link. It will show a progress bar mocking the update in front and will be uploading your information in the background. After it is completed, it will then be propagated to your friends’ circles and the same happens to them too.How can we say that it is spam?
If you are using WhatsApp since the last two updates, the voice calling feature and material design, it would be easy to recognize this as spam right then. All the previous updates were applied by getting a call from voice call enabled WhatsApp friend or from Google Play application update service. Isn’t it? If so, why would you get a separate unknown link to update it this time? Do you think updating the application through a third-party link is safe?If you have clicked on the link and have seen that progress bar UI till completion, check now if you got any such feature enabled on your WhatsApp. Definitely, you won’t.
How to keep yourself safe from this scam?
It’s simple. Don’t click on the link you receive from your friends through messages. WhatsApp can propagate coded messages that can easily track your details in seconds. If you are aware of messages like ‘share this message and see the red apple moving’, you could imagine the range of vulnerability.Be safe!
I wish these people use their brain for some useful things. Very important information Sasidhar. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHi Rajavelu,
ReplyDeletePeople are pretty much excited to have updated features for apps and software on diital devices. It is however good that they have strted realizing the benifits of getting upgraded. But yeah, as you said, we need to be more alerted. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the issue.
Have a great day :)
Sasidhar, Thanks for alerting everyone about his scam. When people are excited they hardly use common sense. This post would be very helpful for those who aren't much aware of how spam links work. Definitely tweeting this post to spread the information. ~ Rohanlicious.
ReplyDeleteYeah, excitement kills human intelligence. That's why monks don't excite a all. Thank you so much Rohan for sharing the article to your friends.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day :)
Thanks for the information. It's been a great help!
ReplyDeletewe have to go through with Official website of whatsapp if any update announced.
Have a great week ahead!
Nice Work Bro! We have to accept only those updates which are from the official website of the App. Hackers and spammers are always trying to trick innocent users in their frauds.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, Great research and Well written.
Keep it up dear! :-)
Hi Umiar,
ReplyDeleteThank you for adding weight to the information. Hackers always stalk at user's innocence.
Hi Saurabh,
ReplyDeleteChecking information on official sites is a wise action.
Thanks for the information.
ReplyDeleteWe have to go through with Official website of whatsapp if any update announced.
Lets see
Vaibhav
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