After the privacy policy and safety related issues, a new threat is added for WhatsApp users, as the messaging app is under a malicious attack by perpetrators of nefarious activities online.
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What Is This New Threat?
This threat comes in the form of a link, which is being shared on the chat platform.
Through this link, the hackers gain access to the device on which it is opened.
To identify this new threat, the said link is being shared under the name WhatsApp Pink.
Further, this link claims that it can turn the theme of WhatsApp from its iconic green to that of pink colour.
It doesn’t end there as the link also offers additional features to lure victims as it tries to legitimise its existence by deeming the theme a new official look by WhatsApp.
How Does It Work?
So far, many WhatsApp users have reported receiving such a link on their phones.
But the real danger arises when many users have forwarded it without knowing its real purpose.
To warn Whatsapp users, a cyber expert, Rajshekhar Rajaharia has warned that the link performs no actions as advertised.
Basically it is a tool for hackers to gain access to a target device.
Moreover, this threat can possibly lock the victims out of their WhatsApp accounts or even their smartphones in some cases.
Further, the expert notes that the link is devious enough to allow the hacker to gain full access to your phone and its data.
What Does An Expert Say?
In his tweet, Rajaharia has written, “Beware of WhatsApp Pink!! A Virus is being spread in Whatsapp groups with an APK download link. Don’t click any link with the name of #WhatsappPink. Complete access to your phone will be lost,”.
The cybersecurity expert Rajaharia also shared some images in his tweet which highlights the message which is being circulated for the WhatsApp Pink download.
The images sport a new pink colour theme along with the words “WhatsApp launched a new look officially.”
Please note here that this is not an official update by WhatsApp.
The only purpose in creation of this update is to dupe the audience into installing the malicious links.
How To Avoid It?
Prior to this, many times whatsapp has been used as a playground for online threat perpetrators.
So, the users can simply follow the safety tip and be advised to not to click on any such unverified or suspicious link.
In addition to that, the WhatsApp users are suggested to stick to the updates rolled out by WhatsApp only.
They should restraint on the lookout for any third-party modifications to make to the app.