Mobile phone malware is a pernicious threat that must be countered and the security community continues to develop new ways to prevent it from spreading,” retreated Cathcart.įurthermore, downloading mod apps like GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android can also get users permanently banned from WhatsApp. “We’re also taking enforcement action against HeyMods to stop future harm, and will further explore legal options to hold HeyMods and others like them accountable. Google Play Protect on Android ia capable of detecting and disabling previously downloaded malicious fake versions of WhatsApp.Ĭathcart also stated that they would also continue their efforts to detect and block these kinds of apps going forward. We’ve shared what we found with Google and worked with them to combat the malicious apps,” added Cathcart while appreciating the help of Google for their continued work to prevent malicious apps from proliferating on Android devices.

“These apps promised new features but were just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. Cathcart says that the WhatsApp security team recently discovered hidden malware within apps, offered outside of Google Play, from a developer called “HeyMods” that included “Hey WhatsApp” and others.

These apps sound harmless but they may work around WhatsApp privacy and security guarantees,” he warned while revealing the findings of the WhatsApp security team. “Reminder to WhatsApp users that downloading a fake or modified version of WhatsApp is never a good idea. This new finding has been revealed by Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp at Meta on Twitter.

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