WhatsApp’s CEO, Will Cathcart has issued a strict warning to Android users to be wary of fake versions of the messaging app.
Cathcart revealed this in a series of tweets stating that several users were found to be using modified variants of WhatsApp and those people could land in big trouble. The troublemaking app was developed by one ‘HeyMods’.
He revealed that WhatsApp’s security team has found hidden malware within apps that were downloaded outside of Google Play. For an app with over 2 billion users, this is definitely a major concern.
Cathcart said, “Recently our security team discovered hidden malware within apps – offered outside of Google Play – from a developer called “HeyMods” that included “Hey WhatsApp” and others.”
What can fake WhatsApp do?
He added that the messaging app clones were found to be stealing confidential user data while luring users with new features, “These apps promised new features but were just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. We’ve shared what we found with Google and worked with them to combat the malicious apps.”
He highlights that Google Play Protect on Android is capable of detecting and disabling previously downloaded malicious fake versions of the app. He has urged users to warn friends and family members who are using such malicious variants to switch to the official ones from the Google Play Store or download directly from WhatsApp.com/dl.WhatsApp is also known to ban accounts that use mods, so it’s best to stay away from them.
