A new malware spreading through WhatsApp causes more concerns to its users. When WhatsApp privacy is already under scanner, this news came as a shock to many users.
A security researcher found out this malware and explains how it affects your android phone. He also says this malware is known as “Android Worm”.
Infecting smartphones through WhatsApp is not a new technique. But, this new Android Worm, infects the contact list and send messages to everyone in the contact passively.
How this malware enters your phone?
A message will be sent to victim’s WhatsApp with a malware link. If the user reply to that message or click the link and download a malicious Huawei mobile app. The message attracts the victim with a free smartphone offer. When clicked the link, victim will see the malware Huawei mobile app in a fake Google Play page. It gives an impression that we are downloading a legit app.
One message per hour!
When the malware app downloaded in an android phone, it affects the contact list and thus send messages to some of the contacts once an hour. And if you don’t check your phone frequently, you would never know that a link has been sent to one of your contact.
This is not the end
But, this is only the first part of the infection. Here, the malware only aims in spreading to as many WhatsApp users in short period of time. Since, this malware app received from the attacker’s server, anytime the attacker could distribute any ransomware, spyware or even banking Trojans that could steal from your bank account.
How to avoid?
Only way to avoid this malware is to ignore such links. Even a suspicious message like this received from your friend or known contact, you have to confirm this link is actually sent by them.