A modified version of WhatsApp is malicious

This new malicious version has been discovered by Kaspersky and the company says that the Trojan can collect data about the user’s mobile device and then, at the owner’s command, downloads other Trojans to the smartphone.

Hyderabad: A modified version of the popular messenger app WhatsApp is doing rounds on Google Play Store called FMWhasapp. This is a malicious version of the WhatsApp messenger mod – which is an unofficial modification of the app. It spreads the Triada mobile Trojon which can download other Trojans and launch ads, issue subscriptions and intercept a user’s SMSs.

This new malicious version has been discovered by Kaspersky and the company says that the Trojan can collect data about the user’s mobile device and then, at the owner’s command, downloads other Trojans to the smartphone.

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“These Trojans can independently launch ads, issue paid subscriptions to the device owner and even log into the WhatsApp account, intercepting the SMS to confirm login – leaving the victim vulnerable to illegal activity through their phone,” Kaspersky said in a statement.

Even though WhatsApp is one of the most popular apps for instant mobile messaging, not all users are satisfied with its features. Looking for the most user-friendly version, people can be tempted to install modified versions of WhatsApp, which provide many more options than the official one (such as choosing dynamic templates or the ability to read deleted messages).

In such apps, creators often publish various ads to monetise their work. On the flip side, there are fraudsters taking advantage of this, often distributing malicious code through advertising. One example of this is FMWhasapp – the 16.80.0 version – which includes the Triada Trojan and one of the ad libraries.

“With this app, it is hard for users to recognize the potential threat because the mod application actually does what is proposed – it adds additional features. However, we have observed how cybercriminals have started to spread malicious files through the ad blocks in such apps. That is why we recommend you only use messenger software downloaded from official app stores,” informs Igor Golovin, security expert at Kaspersky.

To stay safe, Kaspersky recommends:

· Only installing applications from official stores and reliable resources

· Remembering to check which permissions you give installed applications – some of them can be very dangerous

· Installing a reliable mobile antivirus on your smartphone.

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