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CAN DOWNLOADING WHATSAPP PHOTO OR VIDEO INFECT YOUR PHONE WITH VIRUS? NOT LIKELY
BUT BE CAREFUL


THE REPORTS HAD STATED THAT SOME WHATSAPP HAS LOST ACCESS TO THEIR ACCOUNT AFTER
CLICKING ON MALICIOUS LINKS OR IMAGES THEY HAVE RECEIVED AS MESSAGES.

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Ankita Chakravarti New DelhiFebruary 18, 2021UPDATED: February 18, 2021 10:41
IST



HIGHLIGHTS

 * There have been several reports about an Android worm being spread through
   WhatsApp.
 * Cybercriminals are always looking to target new users to collect their
   sensitive information.
 * But the best way to keep oneself secure is by not interacting with any
   suspicious accounts.



There have been several reports about an Android worm being spread through
WhatsApp. The reports had stated that some WhatsApp has lost access to their
account after clicking on malicious links or images they have received as
messages. Cybercriminals are always looking to target new users to collect their
sensitive information. But the best way to keep oneself secure is by not
interacting with any suspicious accounts.




As per reports, the malware that gets installed in a users’ device infects their
contact list and often takes away their access to the account. The malware,
known as "Android Worm" enters users' phone as a message and then infects their
contact list without them knowing anything about it. It was reported that users
had received messages on WhatsApp to download a link to win a free smartphone.
When the users tried to claim their smartphones, they were redirected to a fake
Google Play Page and given an impression that a Huawei app is being downloaded.

Security researcher Lukas Stefanko was the first one to report about the malware
that is infecting the users. He shared a video explaining how the malware
infects a device and wrote, “Android WhatsApp Worm? Malware spreads via victim's
WhatsApp by automatically replying to any received WhatsApp message notification
with a link to malicious Huawei Mobile app. The message is sent only once per
hour to the same contact. It looks to be adware or subscription scam.”

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However, Wabetainfo, the WhatsApp features tracker had said that the news is not
true. “Some websites are reporting a virus that can be received through a
WhatsApp message, in particular, malware will be installed on your phone after
downloading an image. It’s true that we shouldn't open suspicious links but, in
this case, it's another fake news,” the site said. While a link can infect a
user, the chances of a malicious page doing the same is highly unlikely.

WhatsApp has often been used to dupe people. Users often do not understand
whether the message they are receiving on the app is by an authentic source or
not. Most messages are too realistic and hence the users fall into the trap. The
cybercriminals create messages that promise either a gift, free hotel stay, or
something that does not cost money. Their messages are always sent along with a
link. The link when clicked upon redirects users to fake sites and often ends up
collecting their sensitive information like bank card details, phone numbers,
and more. So the only way to steer clear of all these spammy messages is by not
interacting with them at all. When you receive a message that offers something
for free, please do not reply to it or click on the link. Interact with the
users only if you cross-check and feel that it is from an authentic source.

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Click here for IndiaToday.in’s complete coverage of the coronavirus pandemic.





Posted byAnkita Chakravarti

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