A few days back, a WhatsApp forward made rounds on the messaging app, asking users to download the pink version of the app. The message includes a link and suggests that you can use a newer version of WhatsApp with new features. The name of the app is “WhatsApp Pink”, which turned out to be a malicious app. Looks like the color of the app has changed.
When you click on the link, you are redirected to a page with an option to download the malicious WhatsApp Pink app on your phone. Once you install a clone of WhatsApp, it can steal your personal data and cause you problems. Cyber security researcher Rajshekhar Rajhariya took to Twitter and even shared some screenshots, which showed the interface of the malicious app, which seems similar to the original app.
“Beware of WhatsApp Pink!! A virus is being spread in #WhatsApp groups with APK download links. Do not click on any link in the name of WhatsApp Pink. Full access to your phone will be lost,” Rajharia said. It is important to note that neither WhatsApp nor Facebook has announced any such app.
How to recognize if an app is fake
Users should not download anything being shared on WhatsApp unless they know that the link is accurate. If you find the app link on WhatsApp, you should double-check its existence on Google. It is always better to install new apps from Play Store as Google does security check of apps before accessing them. WhatsApp’s “forward” messages are also helpful. The “forwarded” label helps you determine whether your friend or relative wrote the message or if it originally came from someone else. If a message (with a link) has been forwarded multiple times and you are not sure whether you should download it or not, you should ignore it. You can use a robust mobile security app, which can alert you about malicious apps.
It is important to note that no one should attempt to use a modified version of any of the original apps as this is a huge security risk. Whenever you download an app, it asks you for permissions like storage, camera and contacts. So, you may end up giving some personal details and then wonder what happened. Before downloading any app, you should always check the screenshot, description, developer name, app name, number of downloads and reviews. If you find something suspicious, you can drop the idea of installing it.
How to get rid of WhatsApp Pink and stay safe
Step 1: First of all you have to uninstall WhatsApp Pink. Before this, if you have linked all Whatsapp web devices, then unlink them immediately.
Step 2: Clear browser cache from Settings. If you don’t know how to do this, read the embedded article.
Step 3: You also need to check permission for all apps and if you find any suspicious permission for any app, then revoke it immediately
The security researcher told on Twitter that after installing the app, it comes in a hidden state. Hence, it might be a bit difficult for you to uninstall it as the option may not appear immediately. So, all you have to do is go to the Settings section of your smartphone and then go to Apps. Here, you will see a list of apps that are installed on your phone. Then you can find WhatsApp Pink app and delete it.
