WhatsApp has sent urgent warnings to Android users about a dangerous app that could steal sensitive information from them, according to an Express report.
And in a tweet on “Twitter” (Twitter), the head of “WhatsApp” Will Cathcart put users on alert about an Android application full of malware called “Hey WhatsApp” and it belongs to the developer of “Hey Mods”.
Cathcart said the app, which may seem harmless at first, is designed to steal sensitive personal data stored on Android phones.
The app was found outside the Google Play Store but fortunately Google Play Protect can now detect and disable these malicious and fake versions of WhatsApp.
This comes after Google and WhatsApp cooperated to work together to stop this dangerous program.
And if you have a free antivirus app, run a scan to check if any additional malware is loaded on your device.
Speaking about the threat, Cathcart said, "WhatsApp users should be reminded that downloading a fake or modified version of the app is never a good idea. These apps seem harmless but may work around WhatsApp's privacy and security terms."
He continued, "Our security team recently discovered malware hidden within applications - displayed outside (Google Play) - from a developer called (HiMods), which included (Hi WhatsApp) and others. These applications promise new features but are just a trick to steal personal information stored on people's phones. ".
"We shared what we found with Google and worked with them to combat malicious apps. (Google Play Protect) can now detect and disable malicious fake versions of WhatsApp that have been downloaded."
Cathcart concluded that WhatsApp will continue to work to ban these types of applications from Android devices.