Experts have warned WhatsApp users of a malicious link to an app that claims can turn the design of its messaging system pink.
The "WhatsApp Pink" message was highlighted as a scam by a security researcher in India, Rajeshkhar Rajahriya, who said it contained malware that could allow the hacker to take over your phone.
Rajaharia tweeted on his Twitter account, "Beware of pink WhatsApp. A virus is spreading in WhatsApp groups through a download link. Do not click on any link named (WhatsApp Pink). You will lose full access to your phone. Share the information with everyone."
The Indian security researcher later stated that only Android users could be affected by the "pink WhatsApp" virus.
He stated that clicking on the link could allow hackers to take over the phone and even forward messages to the user's contacts.
He also stressed that data may be lost.
It seems that the malicious message is spreading in India, as many media outlets have warned "WhatsApp" users about it to avoid any link related to "Pink WhatsApp".
Beware of @WhatsApp Pink !!
A Virus is being spread in #WhatsApp groups with an APK download link.
Don't click any link with the name of WhatsApp Pink.
Complete access to your phone will be lost.
Share with All .. # InfoSec #Virus @IndianCERT @internetfreedom @jackerhack @ sanjg2k1 pic.twitter.com/KbbtK536F2
- Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 17, 2021
The post also mentioned that there are other versions of the malware claiming to turn "WhatsApp" to a gold color instead of the primary green.
The malicious messages also claim to offer new WhatsApp features.
Experts advise against downloading an app unless it is located on the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
If you receive a message about downloading a pink version of "WhatsApp", do not click on the link, and it is better to delete the conversation.
A WhatsApp spokesperson said in a statement, "Any person can receive an unusual, unusual or suspicious message on any service, including e-mail, and at any time that occurs, we encourage everyone to exercise caution before responding or participating."
"In WhatsApp in particular, we also recommend that people use the tools we provide inside the app to send us a report, report a contact, or block a contact," he concluded.