WhatsApp Pink - a new virus now threatens users accounts; find out what it is and how to stay safe

Being circulated as an alternate version of the messaging app, WhatsApp Pink — a new computer virus has been spread by the notorious threat actors, which has the potential to cause complete data loss of the target devices, an India Today report suggests. 

This new malware can cause a complete loss of control of device and data theft. It was recently spotted and made public on Twitter by a cybersecurity researcher. 

The people aware of this virus warned the WhatsApp users that this virus could give a hacker complete access to a phone. Moreover, the dangerous computer virus is being spread under the term ‘WhatsApp Pink.’ 

Here is all you need to know about it. 

What is WhatsApp Pink? 

It is a malicious computer program, which aims to take over the target system. It got its name from the alias under which it is being spread on WhatsApp groups. The message has been circulated on the WhatsApp platform containing the virus and it promises the user to install a Pink-themed WhatsApp on their phone upon clicking a link. 

The message also has images pointing out the chats from a pink-coloured WhatsApp, the photos are as fake as the claims. 

This message is linked to an APK download link, wherein the messaging app users are asked to click on the link to download the Pink-feature of WhatsApp. Once you click on this link, the user is then redirected to an APK download. 

This downloaded APK file is the real virus, as it asks you to install the APK file on your system allowing hackers an entry. Users fail to realise that they are being duped into downloading a virus and readily give the permissions that the package asks for on the smartphone. 

As cybersecurity expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia through his tweet explained that the downloaded virus has the capability of gaining complete access over the device, risking data loss or hijack by perpetrators. 

 How to avoid being a victim of WhatsApp Pink? 

So far, many WhatsApp users have already reported receiving such a link on their mobile phones, of which many forwarded it to their contacts without knowing its real purpose.  

Threat actors take advantage of users being naïve when comes to technology, as they know that such misinformation is easily spread through WhatsApp groups. 

The easiest and effective tips to stay safe from this virus scam is to avoid clicking on any unverified or suspicious link. Any third-party link that redirects you away from WhatsApp should be checked thoroughly and only be clicked if the source is found trustworthy. 

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.”