Though WhatsApp is a ubiquitous communication tool, its popularity also makes its users open to scams and malware.
Recently, a “variant” of WhatsApp has emerged that’s actually malware.
Malaysia has already warned their citizens against downloading “Pink WhatsApp”, as it’s called.
Source: Pocket Times on Instagram
If installed, the app will be able to access one’s smartphone data.
In a notice issued on 27 June, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said users might get invitations to download Pink WhatsApp.
They added that these may take the form of messages or links that appear to be from WhatsApp.
Source: Dimitri Karastelev on Unsplash
Users are advised not to download or install Pink WhatsApp.
If it’s already on your phone, it should be deleted immediately.
Users might be told of the so-called benefits of Pink WhatsApp, including:
However, this is false advertising, MCMC said.
If Pink WhatsApp is installed, it poses a “serious security risk”, MCMC noted.
That’s because the malware will be able to access phone data like photos, messages and contact lists.
Thus, users should remain vigilant while using mobile apps and avoid spreading suspicious links,
Apps should also be downloaded only from official app stores like the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and Huawei AppGallery.
Malaysia isn’t the only country that has warned against the malware.
The app has also surfaced in India, the Mumbai Police posted on Twitter.
Their tweet warned that the “Pink WhatsApp” hoax could lead to the hacking of one’s mobile phones.
Source: North Region Cyber Police Crime Wing on Twitter
Besides receiving “numerous advertisements”, victims may lose control over their phones and personal data accessed by fraudsters, the police added.
However, it seems Singaporeans may not have to be too concerned yet.
There have been no reports of users in Singapore who have been affected by Pink WhatsApp, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) told The Straits Times (ST).
CSA is working with the police here to raise public awareness of malware-related scams, they said.
Users should be wary of pop-ups that request app permissions not necessary for the app to function, among other things.
An anti-malware scan should be conducted if a device is suspected to have been infected.
The incident can also be reported to the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT) via their incident reporting form.
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Featured image adapted from Shin Min Daily News on Facebook and Dimitri Karastelev on Unsplash.
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