According to recent reveal, ‘Yo WhatsApp’ is an unofficial app that is stealing access keys for the accounts of the users. Various ads in Android apps such as Snaptube are promoting this malicious app.
Hidden Malicious Features in the App
Kaspersky reports that this malicious app sends access keys of WhatsApp users to the remote servers of the developers. The attackers can then have access to the conversations and easily steal data. They can also set up paid subscriptions using these access keys and the users won’t even get to know about it.
Fraudsters may now attempt to reach you via WhatsApp. They may pose as bank officials and send you unsolicited text messages. Beware of these scams and don’t share any details, as we would never ask for any OTP, Card Number and/or Personal Details through unofficial platforms. ❌ pic.twitter.com/jD4mgn3V3n
— Sohar International (@sohar_intl) September 22, 2020
The malicious app provides certain features to the users which are not available in the official app such as individual chat room blocking and ability to customize user experience.
What is ‘WhatsApp Plus’?
‘WhatsApp Plus’ is similar to ‘Yo WhatsApp’. It spreads through the Vidmate app. This app offers similar malicious features.
Kaspersky and Malware Detection
According to Kaspersky, such distribution channels won’t be available in some time. The companies are completely unaware that malware has been shared. The Trida malware is being investigated by Kaspersky in WhatsApp clones for over a year. It is not easy to detect the malware as it has the ability to modify the core process in the Android OS. The malware substitutes the system functions of the phone making it difficult to get detected.
New Scam Alert: YoWhatsApp – An Unofficial WhatsApp App Steals Credentials #stayhAPpy #newscamalerts https://t.co/KYLcjMqkMQ
— Debra R Richardson, LLC (@APinhAPpy) November 14, 2022
These days cyber crimes are on the rise and it the responsibility of every individual to prevent them. Keep yourself abreast with all such malwares and try your best to spread this information as much as possible.
