WhatsApp: Fraudsters are wreaking havoc with malware

Whatsapp
Fraudsters are up to mischief with malware

Fraudsters are currently spreading malware via WhatsApp.

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Anyone who receives a dubious link on WhatsApp shouldn't risk a click. Scammers are currently up to mischief.

Owners of Android smartphones should be warned: According to experts from IT security company ESET, malware is currently spreading via the WhatsApp messenger service. Potential victims receive the message "Download this application and win your smartphone" from their contacts. If you follow the attached link, you get to a fake Google Play Store.

In order to be able to use the advertised app, a malware, access to all personal notifications must first be granted. Once this is done, "the malware can respond to each message with a customized response," explains ESET expert Lukas Stefanko. In this way, the malware would spread like a worm via the messenger service.

Stay away from suspicious links

According to the security company, cyber criminals are behind the malware trap who allegedly use the malicious application for fraud campaigns. However, it cannot be ruled out that the downloaded malware may not also be used for espionage or data theft. The company's advice: do not click any suspicious links. If you want to install apps on your smartphone, you should only use applications from the official Google Play Store.

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