WhatsApp has sent urgent warnings to billions of users about a dangerous Android app that could steal their sensitive information.
Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp, warned Twitter users about an Android app full of malware called “Hey WhatsApp” from a developer called “HeyMods”. Cathcart said the seemingly harmless app was designed to steal sensitive personal data stored on Android phones.
The app was found outside the Google Play Store, but fortunately, Google Play Protect has now detected and disabled these malicious and fake versions of WhatsApp.
This happened after Google and WhatsApp worked together to stop this dangerous program from its tracks.
Suffice it to say, if you have a malicious HeyWhatsApp on your phone, don’t forget to delete it now. Also, if you have free antivirus on your phone, run a scan to check if there is any additional malware installed on your device.
Speaking about the threat, Cathcart said, “It is important to remind WhatsApp users that it is not a good idea to download a fake or modified version of WhatsApp. These apps appear to be harmless but can circumvent WhatsApp’s privacy and security measures. Our security team recently discovered malware hidden inside. . apps – Looking outside of Google Play – From a developer called HeyMods, which includes Hey WhatsApp and more. These apps promise new features, but it’s just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. We shared what we found with Google and worked with Google on Android Play Protect can now detect and disable malicious fake versions of WhatsApp that have already been downloaded. We appreciate Google’s help in their ongoing work to prevent the spread of malicious apps on Android devices.
Cathcart said WhatsApp will continue to work to ban such apps on Android devices from now on.
Source: Express
Source: Arabic RT
