Experts are warning all iPhone and Android phone users to be aware of two new WhatsApp alerts that could either give hackers access to data or losing the app entirely.
The first warning relates to Android customers who have downloaded an unofficial version of WhatsApp messenger to devices, which can be gateways for cyber crime. Spotted by the team at IT security Kasperky, an app called YoWahtsApp comes laced with a malicious bug known as Triada.
Once installed, this malware allows hackers to take complete control of an account with criminals then able to send sneaky money-stealing messages to friends and contacts, reports the Express.
Explaining more about the threat, Kaspersky said: "Cybercriminals are increasingly using the power of legitimate software to distribute malicious apps. This means that users who choose popular apps and official installation sources, may still fall victim to them.
"In particular, malware like Triada can steal an IM account, and for example, use it to send unsolicited messages, including malicious spam. The user’s money is also at risk, as the malware can easily set up paid subscriptions for the victim."
Modified versions of WhatsApp remain hugely popular as they often claim to offer bonus features that can't be found on the official version of WhatsApp. Android users are always the biggest target of these apps as they can be sideloaded onto devices without a trip to the Google Play store.
Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, tweeted their advice on the issue: "Reminder to @WhatsApp users that downloading a fake or modified version of WhatsApp is never a good idea. These apps sound harmless but they may work around WhatsApp privacy and security guarantees."
Adding apps to an iPhone is impossible without Apple vetting them first which is why these types of scams only target Android. So that's the first warning for Android customers, but there's also an upcoming change that will affect some iPhone owners.
It was revealed back in May that the Meta-owned platform was dropping support for any iPhones that can't run Apple's iOS 12 operating system or later. Although almost all new Apple smartphones will have no issues using this latest OS it is bad news for anyone with an iPhone 5 or colourful iPhone 5c in their pocket.
These ageing devices are no longer compatible with newer software and, from later this week, anyone owning one will find WhatsApp no longer works. It appears that those with incompatible devices are already receiving alerts which say, "Update to the latest version of iOS to continue using WhatsApp. WhatsApp will stop supporting this version of iOS after 24 Oct 2022."
Along with this pop-up window on iPhones, WhatsApp has also updated its support page which now states, "Currently, we provide support for and recommend using the following devices: Android running OS 4.1 and newer, iPhone running iOS 12 and newer."
If your device can't switch to iOS 12 you'll need to buy something new to continue using WhatsApp.
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