As if this year hasn’t already given us a fair amount of reasons to dislike it, here’s a fresher reason to continue doing so. There seems to be a virus circulating online that is attacking phones via WhatsApp.
The computer virus is being shared as an alternate version of the application and is called WhatsApp Pink. It starts off by offering you upgraded features to the application. The message will contain a link, which you’ll be directed to click on. It also claims to turn your WhatsApp interface and logo pink. The virus seems to only be impacting Android phones so far.
Fortunately, a cybersecurity researcher named Rajshekhar Rajaharia spotted the virus and has been alerting people to not click on any such links or share the message with other people. He also mentioned that the virus can take complete control of your phone and/or lock you out of your WhatsApp account. Here is a video to help you understand how the virus looks on a screen, and how to uninstall it.
Update – #WhatsappPink app is getting hide automatically after installation.
— Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 19, 2021
To UnInstall it – Go to settings => Go to storage or apps (depends on model) => you can see the list of apps that are installed in your phone. There you can uninstall hidden apps. #InfoSec @rahulyadavrds pic.twitter.com/iaIhVW9rhi
Many people have come forward and tweeted to warn others of the malware.
When I found the link to click on the link to get a pink WhatsApp version at first time then I was shocked to see the new version. When I clicked the link ,my mobile was hanged for a few minutes. So, be alert. Don’t Click the Link.
— Shoriful Islam Khan (@Shorifulislam46) April 20, 2021
#whatsapppink is a new virus being spread through WhatsApp groups. It disguises itself as an APK file that promises to download and install a Pink-coloured #WhatsApp on the victim’s phone. #hacking https://t.co/VURVRZFmcU
— Lakshmy Venkiteswaran (@LakshmyV2) April 21, 2021
WhatsApp Pink: This link can hack your smartphone, gain access, steal data#WhatsAppPink #whatsapppink #CyberSecurity #socialmedia #databreaches #Whatsapp #Hackers https://t.co/qTyZWcTLxg
— 🇮🇳 ruchikapatil 🇮🇳 (@ruchikapatil14) April 20, 2021
#whatsapppink a virus spreading through Group Chats
— ANUJ ATRI (@techworld005) April 19, 2021
WhatsApp users have been receiving links on their phones which claims that it can turn the instant messaging application’s theme from its trademark green to pink.
Beaware of such links ✅
RT’S & FOLLOW 📌#WhatsappPrivacy pic.twitter.com/Yzd4kZwJD1
WhatsApp PINK is roaming in wild
— Bluefire Redteam LLP (@BluefireRedteam) April 20, 2021
Do not install unknown apk or don’t click on links to regarding WhatsApp PINK@androidmalware2#cybersecurity #whatsapppink #android #malware #worm #virus #whatsapp #messages #fake #infosec #ethicalhacking #bfrt #india #indian #pink #apk #mod pic.twitter.com/WS9rqqOzn0
WhatsApp Pink is a malicious app that could steal your data once installed and allow hackers to gain access to your phone. #whatsapppink #cybersecurity #whatsapphttps://t.co/OhEHW6CjUP
— jeehanmiller (@jeehanmiller) April 19, 2021
A viral link to turn WhatsApp in Pink colour is getting forwarded in multiple WhatsApp groups.
— StartupGully (@StartupGully) April 19, 2021
Do not fall for this trap, there is no such release from the company, and the malicious link will take complete access and data of your phone#security #WhatsAppPink #CyberAttack
Beware: “WhatsApp Pink” link will give hackers control of your phone and will allow them to steal your data , don’t open it at any cost https://t.co/X3nXiztjj8 #cybersecurity #WhatsApp #WhatsAppPink #infosec pic.twitter.com/orOiAx86e9
— Eng. Mahmoud Soliman (@EMahmoudSoliman) April 20, 2021
No more viruses, please!
