WhatsApp Pink Update Scam Fools Users Through Group Chat Link

Beware of WhatsApp Pink software updates that are currently circulating through group chats on the app.

A malicious virus is spreading through these downloads, which causes the user to lose complete access to their phone, warned cybersecurity expert, Rajshekhar Rajaharia, on Twitter.

Users are being lured to download the update so that their WhatsApp icon changes from the trademark green to pink. On top of this, the fake software download also promises new features — without outlining what these are.

The link appears to be masked as a very official official-looking WhatsApp software update, which is part of the reason it's so easy to mistake it for a real update. But cyber experts like Rajaharia are cautioning people to not click on any WhatsApp Pink link. 

How to be Safe from #WhatsAppPink Virus
1. Uninstall #WhatsAppPink Immediately.
2. Unlink all Whatsapp Web Devices.
3. Clear Browser cache from settings.
4. Check Permission for all Apps.
5. If found any suspicious permission to any app, revoke it.#InfoSec #CyberSecurity https://t.co/GoyRz5B6b4 pic.twitter.com/bZcf9Xr1Ub

— Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 19, 2021

If someone were to click on the link, their phone could be hacked, they could lose all access to it, as well as their WhatsApp. According to Hackeread.com, unsuspecting WhatsApp users have been sharing the link with their contacts through the messaging app.

It turns out that the virus is being spread through an APK download link. This type of link should never be used to install apps, and users should only download official App store ones, Live Mint reported Jiten Jain, the director of the cyber intelligence firm Voyager Infosec, said. 

"Such malicious apps can be used to compromise your phone and steal personal data like photos, SMS, contacts, etc. Keyboard-based malwares can be used to track everything you type. It can be used to capture and steal banking passwords. The current case of Pink Whatsapp or Whatsapp Gold is also a case of malware impersonating as fake WhatsApp feature apps," Jain warned.

For those users who may have already clicked on the WhatsApp Pink link, Rajaharia recommends they immediately uninstall the app, unlink all WhatsApp web devices, clear browser cache from settings, check permission for all apps, and revoke any suspicious permission from the app. 

Hackread.com reported that WhatsApp commented by saying, "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."