What Is WhatsApp Pink - How To Be Safe From It

WhatsApp Pink

A new computer virus is being spread among WhatsApp users that can potentially cause complete data loss on its target devices. The virus is being shared as an alternate version of the chat app called WhatsApp Pink. WhatsApp Pink is a new virus being spread through WhatsApp groups. It disguises itself as an APK file that promises to download and install a Pink-coloured WhatsApp on the victim's phone. However, according to top cybersecurity experts, it's a virus that allows cybercriminals to hack and take control of your phone. The virus may also take control of your WhatsApp account, and you won't be able to access it. This new malware can cause the victim to completely lose control of his or her device and the data in it. The dangerous computer virus is being spread under the moniker "WhatsApp Pink." 

What is WhatsApp Pink?

This dangerous WhatsApp Pink virus is different from the WhatsApp flaw that was discovered a week back. WhatsApp Pink is essentially malware or a malicious computer program that intends to hijack its target system. The virus gets its name from the alias under which it is being spread on WhatsApp groups. The carefully articulated message containing the virus promises the user to install a Pink-themed WhatsApp on their phone upon clicking a link. The message also contains images showing chats from a pink-coloured WhatsApp. Needless to say, the photos are as fake as the claims. The nefarious message also contains a link to an APK download. Users are asked to click on the link in order to download the Pink-themed WhatsApp. Any user clicking on the link is redirected to an APK download. This downloaded file is the real virus hidden in disguise. Since the users are eager to install the WhatsApp package, they do not realise that they are being duped into downloading a virus. They, hence, readily give the permissions that the package asks for on the smartphone. The aim of the hacker appears to collect user data of as many users as possible.

Must read | Dark Web In Cyber Security

How to Avoid Being a Victim of WhatsApp Pink?

To date, several WhatsApp users have reported receiving such a link on their phones, while many have forwarded it without knowing its real purpose. Sharing such unverified information is a major part of the problems faced by WhatsApp users. Threat actors take advantage of this, as they know that such misinformation is easily spread through WhatsApp groups. They simply disguise their malware or virus in a luring format, and people begin to either download or share it with others without knowing its true nature. 

But as people become more and more aware of how such scams work, they should be on the lookout for any such misleading messages and links shared on WhatsApp.

The easiest and one of the most effective safety tips you can follow at a time like this is not to click on any such unverified or suspicious link. Any third party link that redirects you away from WhatsApp should be checked thoroughly and only be clicked on if the source is found trustworthy.

WhatsApp users are also suggested to stick to the updates officially rolled out by WhatsApp. Users can also report such a malicious message from contact if they find one to be in circulation.

If a user installs the APK, they give hackers access to their phone. There's a chance that just clicking the link does not download the virus on your phone. So, if you have already clicked on the link but have not downloaded and installed the APK, you might still be safe. 

If you have not received the WhatsApp Pink message yet, we advise you not to click on the link.

Must read | What is an IP Address

In a statement, WhatsApp spokesperson advised -

“Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic or suspicious message on any service, including email, and anytime that happens we strongly encourage everyone to use caution before responding or engaging. On WhatsApp in particular, we also recommend that people use the tools that we provide within the app to send us a report, report a contact or block contact.”

Must read | What is Ethical Hacking

Cybersecurity researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia has posted a tweet to inform about the circulation of WhatsApp Pink. He has also provided a couple of screenshots showing how the malicious app imitates the interface of WhatsApp to prey users. 

Rajaharia was informed about WhatsApp Pink by Delhi Police inspector Data Ram Yadav, who spotted the circulation of its message in one of the police groups on WhatsApp.

If you have already installed WhatsApp Pink, here's what you should do :-

Step 1 - Uninstall WhatsAppPink Immediately

Step 2 - Unlink all Whatsapp Web Devices

Step 3 - Clear Browser cache from settings (Settings >> Applications >> WhatsApp >> Storage >> Clear Cache)

Step 4 - Review the permission granted for all apps (Settings >> Apps and Notifications >> Tap the app you want to review >> Tap Permission >> review it)

Step 5 - If you find any unfamiliar app in the app list, delete it and also revoke all the permission to it

Android phone users are advised to install the app only on the Google Play store and never ever download an APK from a third-party site.