Beware of WhatsApp rip-offs with malware!
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Viruses can also significantly affect our lives in digital form. Security experts are currently warning of a dangerous deception that infects the Android smartphone with malicious software via WhatsApp. TECHNOLOGY BUTTON has taken a closer look at the scam and gives tips on how users can protect themselves.
Various methods can damage the operating system of a smartphone, such as Android. For example, through so-called Trojans, which open a back door in the system and thus enable the attacker to access any data. Experts are currently warning of a fake message that is sent via WhatsApp and is dangerous for the smartphone.
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“Download this application and win a smartphone”
According to Eset’s IT experts, a new malicious malware is floating around for Android. A fake competition is automatically sent to the WhatsApp contacts of the users: “Download this application and win a smartphone”. With the link sent, users end up in a fake Google Play Store, and in the next step the offered fake Huawei app is downloaded and installed and the smartphone is infected with harmful malware.
Fake app takes control of WhatsApp
After a successful installation process, the fake app takes on a lot of permissions. This also includes access to notifications, which in turn is used with Android’s direct response function. The fake app can thus automatically send the link with the fake competition to WhatsApp contacts; provided the last conversation is older than an hour. Presumably, the masterminds of this fraud scheme want to arouse less suspicion.
Also read: WhatsApp won’t change the terms and conditions in February!
How can users protect themselves?
- Users should never install apps from untrustworthy sources
- If you have any unusual messages, contact WhatsApp immediately so that the developers can take action
- The exact content should also be checked for links from allegedly trustworthy sources. Atypical word and number combinations or domain names that do not end in “.de”, “.com” or “.org” should be examined critically
- Always download apps from the official Google Play Store. An unauthorized app cannot be installed without further intervention
- The smartphone can be equipped with additional anti-virus software. There are numerous free variants in the Play Store
A spokesman from WhatsApp announced that the provider of the domain had already been contacted. The aim is to immediately prevent the harmful malware from being downloaded any further.
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