The voice calling is done and WhatsApp has been thinking about introducing video calling feature for its users. But the official statement or the update is not yet released and it strike an idea in hackers’ minds to cash in the enthusiasm of WhatsApp users.
Recently, WhatsApp users have been receiving a message with a link from their friends’ circles saying that it will update the application and enable video calling feature. The link is not actually an official updater but a hackers’ bait for WhatsApp users. It is found to be uploading your sensitive information and contacts list on your phone to hackers’ databases.
How it works?
Just like many other average spams, this video calling feature spam also impersonates the original updater like UI when clicked on the link. It will show a progress bar mocking the update in front and will be uploading your information in the background. After it is completed, it will then be propagated to your friends’ circles and the same happens to them too.
How can we say that it is spam?
If you are using WhatsApp since last two updates, the voice calling feature and material design, it would be easy to recognize this as a spam right then. All the previous updates were applied by getting a call from voice call enabled WhatsApp friend or from Google Play application update service. Isn’t it? If so, why would you get a separate unknown link to update it this time? Do you think updating the application through third-party link is safe?
If you have clicked on the link and have seen that progress bar UI till completion, check now if you got any such feature enabled on your WhatsApp. Definitely, you won’t.
How to keep yourself safe from this scam?
It’s simple. Don’t click on the link you receive from your friends through messages. WhatsApp can propagate coded messages that can easily track your details in seconds. If you are aware of messages like ‘share this message and see the red apple moving’, you could imagine the range of vulnerability.
Be safe!
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