Cybersecurity experts have warned that the circulating WhatsApp Pink application is a malicious app that can steal your data as soon as it is installed and allows hackers access to your phone. A message has been sent to some users containing a link that pretends to offer a current WhatsApp experience in pink instead of green. The message also promises new features, and to add more credibility to the claim, the link is disguised as an official update from WhatsApp. However, instead of making any changes to the original WhatsApp application, the link directs users to a page with an option to download the malicious WhatsApp Pink app onto their phones, according to the Arab News Technology portal.
A security researcher tweeted about the circulation of WhatsApp Pink and provided several screenshots showing how the malicious app mimics the WhatsApp interface to deceive users. He stated that WhatsApp Pink primarily targets police officers and journalists, with the download link initially sent to police officials in Delhi and Rajasthan. Users are warned against installing any APK or applications other than those available through the official Google or Apple app stores.
It appears that the malicious actors who disseminated the message about WhatsApp Pink have used various links. Nonetheless, users are advised against opening any links that claim to bring any new look or features to WhatsApp. WhatsApp stated that anyone could receive unusual or suspicious messages through any service, including email, and strongly encourages everyone to exercise caution before responding or participating. They also recommend using the tools provided within the app to send reports to them or to report or block contacts.
It is noted that this is not the first time a fake version of WhatsApp has circulated, as users have previously fallen victim to attacks through the WhatsApp Gold app, which was also created by some hackers to maliciously obtain user data.
