Hackers are targeting user data and details of movements and activity.
By Dileep Thekkethil
If you are a first-time smartphone user and has no prior experience getting bugged by malware applications, beware: a new malware by the name “WhatsApp Gold” has been doing rounds for the past few weeks, infecting smartphones by posing as the premium version of the popular instant messaging app.
According to reports, WhatsApp Gold is nothing but an unscrupulous work of hackers who target user data and details regarding user movements and activity.
The scam starts with a message asking the users to click on a link to download and install ‘WhatsApp Gold’, which is a so-called exclusive version of the messaging app that is available only through invitation.
If unsuspecting users click on the link it takes them to a website — www.goldenversion.com, from where they will be prompted to download the malicious app. Once it’s downloaded and installed, the hacker gets control of all user data and the phone security gets compromised.
The hackers have used compelling text to lure the users to install the application. The content says WhatsApp Gold is an existing premium version of the popular instant messaging app that till now was only available to celebrities. It also says that the Gold version of the application comes with advanced features like video call, bulk image sending, free calling, ability to change the theme of WhatsApp etc.
Earlier, a similar kind of deceptive malware by the name WhatsApp Plus had forced the Facebook-owned company to add a caution in the FAQ, saying that the company has nothing to do with the Plus version.
The FAQ Answer reads: “WhatsApp Plus is an application that was not developed by WhatsApp, nor is it authorized by WhatsApp.
The developers of WhatsApp Plus have no relationship to WhatsApp, and we do not support WhatsApp Plus. Please be aware that WhatsApp Plus contains source code which WhatsApp cannot guarantee as safe and that your private information is potentially being passed to 3rd parties without your knowledge or authorization,” reads the caveat.
It further suggests users to “uninstall your application and install an authorized version of WhatsApp from our website or Google Play. After the 24-hour countdown ends, you will be able to use WhatsApp.”
Also, WhatsApp has confirmed that they do not send updates through text messages, nor do they ask users to download another app.
A similar kind of spam had bugged iPhone users recently and was called ‘Apple ID scam’. A few Apple users started receiving a message warning that their Apple ID is due to expire in a day. The intimidating message ends with a link to confirm details. On clicking on it users will be prompted to provide their personal details such as their name, address, birth dates, phone numbers, credit card details, login information and security question information like passport numbers, driving license numbers and the maiden names of mothers.