How Hackers Can Send Virus Through WhatsApp

Messaging through WhatsApp is really easy, especially with the delivery reports (the two ticks), the read receipts the speed of delivery, etc. It’s also a favorite with digital marketers since it can be used for mass messaging. Given its ease, some hackers can send viruses or malware through WhatsApp, sometimes even a Trojan horse. Read on to learn how hackers can send a virus through WhatsApp.

Can Someone Send a Virus Through WhatsApp?

In this post, you can not only read about how hackers send viruses through WhatsApp, but how you can prevent it as well. Following are the ways to hack WhatsApp followed by cybercriminals.

1. WhatsApp Virus Through Voice Messages

This trend began around the same time as 2016 – sending emails with the subject line ‘a new voice message’. These emails looked as if they were legitimate automated emails from WhatsApp. An example of one is below.

You should stay wary of such emails since, even if you open one such email, your device can get infected. You should also not click any part of this message.

2. WhatsApp Images Can Have Virus

Sending multi-media through a cell service is difficult and hence, images containing malware are sent through WhatsApp. The images seem pretty harmless, but the virus is embedded into normal code. What you can do is avoid conversations with people you don’t know. Don’t download images that have been sent to you by random people.

3. WhatsApp Virus In The Form Of Videos

Recent attempts to breach data security by sending viruses through WhatsApp include malicious video content. Here, attackers may send you a malicious video link or attachment. Once you download this video content on your device, you will notice your data security is compromised.

4. Updated version of WhatsApp

This method has taken a rage – people sending links saying that there is an updated version of WhatsApp. It’s entirely possible to infect a message with a virus, even though the link in the message opens to the Play Store or App Store.

Never click on such messages. Set your phone to automatically update apps or to prompt you when there is such an update available. You can then avoid clicking on such messages.

5. Fake Vouchers

Around June last year, there was a sudden explosion of fake vouchers being circulated through WhatsApp. They were discovered to be fake, because when people tried to redeem the vouchers, the organizations, in whose name they were in, had no record of coupons or vouchers with the same barcode!

6. Surveys

This is another way to hack WhatsApp. When big brands such as Amazon or Starbucks request a survey, then it’s most likely that people respond. How is it possible to fake such a big name? Easy. Hackers just create a random survey, which is basically code. They insert the Trojan or virus within the survey. Then, they download an image or a logo and insert it within the message.

The moment your phone clicks on the message, the virus automatically downloads within the phone.

How do You Keep Yourself Safe From Such WhatsApp Viruses or Malware From Hackers?

To begin with, read WhatsApp’s disclaimer.

WhatsApp doesn’t send emails about payments, updates, images or missed messages. They definitely do not send voice messages.

WhatsApp has become super popular, connecting billions of people worldwide with its easy-to-use messaging features. However, as with anything widely used, there are some bad apples out there trying to mess things up.

Malicious activities like viruses and malware can be a real headache, putting your data, privacy, and device at risk. But fear not! Here are some essential tips that you can put to best use to keep your online security intact:

1. Update WhatsApp: Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed. Developers regularly release updates with security patches to address vulnerabilities.
2. Enable Automatic Updates: Enable automatic app updates on your device to ensure you always have the latest version of WhatsApp.
3. Download from Official Sources: Only download WhatsApp from official app stores like Google Play Store (for Android) or the Apple App Store (for iOS).
4. Verify App Permissions: During installation, review the permissions requested by WhatsApp. Be cautious if an app requests unnecessary permissions.
5. Beware of Suspicious Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links sent via WhatsApp, even if they are from known contacts. Malware can spread through malicious links.
6. Do Not Install Untrusted Apps: Avoid installing apps or APKs from untrusted sources, as they may contain malware disguised as legitimate apps.
7. Disable Auto-Download of Media: In WhatsApp settings, configure media auto-download to prevent automatically downloading files from unknown contacts.
8. Enable Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp offers two-step verification. Enable this feature to add an extra layer of security to your account.
9. Be Cautious with Backups: Avoid restoring backups from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain malware.
10. Regularly Review App Permissions: Periodically review and audit the app permissions granted to WhatsApp and other apps on your device.

By following these simple yet effective measures, you can make your WhatsApp chats a safe and enjoyable part of your digital life. 

What to Do When You Suspect an Infection?

If you believe someone has tried to hack WhatsApp on your phone, you can do the following.

1. Use a strong anti-virus software or application to run a security check.
2. In case it displays results, then the software prompts you to delete the same. Just click ok and it will take care of the rest.
3. If you are still not satisfied, you can reset your phone. Resetting removes all data that is stored in the phone memory and hence, your phone is as good as new.

How to Recognize That Your Phone is Infected

Here are some ways to detect that someone has tried to hack WhatsApp or breach WhatsApp security:

1. Your phone is suddenly very slow.
2. You suddenly start getting unnecessary pop-ups.
3. If you notice that your device is getting hotter than usual.
4. You see a number of strange apps that you don’t remember downloading.
5. If you notice a loss of data such as documents, images, videos, etc.
6. Apps suddenly are slower.

Conclusion

There is a lot someone can do with intel on you. People whose phones have been infected often lose data. Sometimes, hackers send viruses through WhatsApp to steal identities. Loss of money, cyberbullying, and kidnapping are some other unfortunate crimes that occur due to hacking. Hence, always take precautions to stay safe.

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