The virus WhatsApp are malicious programs created by hackers looking to defraud people using different methods through the popular messaging service. The application – owned by Facebook – has more than 2 billion users worldwide, so it is not surprising that hackers and virus creators choose this platform to take advantage of it.
In recent years, many worms and Trojans have emerged that want to sneak into your phone through WhatsApp. Some of the threats have been neutralized, but others continue to circulate online. In any case, we know that cybercriminals do not rest and continue to develop dangerous malware to attack the mobile ecosystem.
Beware Of These WhatsApp Viruses
Hackers are clever at creating malicious programs, as they seek to fool people with well-crafted fake promotions messages and so-called freebies that they will get by clicking on an infected link.
After falling into their trap, they can attack you in different ways, either by breaking into your smartphone to steal your personal information or manipulating you into providing your credit card details.
With the intention of alerting you and preventing you from becoming yet another victim, we have compiled a list of WhatsApp viruses that have affected thousands of people in Spain and the world.
1. WhatsApp Gold
The hackers can spread this scam through an unknown number or by impersonating one of your contacts. It is presented as a Gold Premium version of the application, with new tools and advanced functions.
When the user clicks on the link to download, they are redirected to an infected site where they will be exposed to countless threats.
2. GhostCtrl
It is a fraudulent application that disguises itself as the official version of WhatsApp. It generally attacks users accustomed to downloading programs from illegal or disreputable sites.
GhostCtrl’s interface is identical to the famous messaging service, with the same functions and features as legitimate software.
But after having installed it on your cell phone, cybercriminals have access to your contact list, GPS location, browsing history, conversation log, and much more. They can also enable cameras and microphones remotely, to spy on you at any time without your noticing.
For that reason, it is recommended to download the applications only from the official iOS and Android stores.
3. Missed Voicemail
This WhatsApp virus attacks in a strange way, but it has still managed to fool many people. First, you receive in your email the alert of a supposed lost voice message, with a link to listen to it.
After falling into the trap, a malicious website will open with infected links and instructions to download dangerous software, such as Browser 6.5. In this way, you could also be attacked by ransomware, a virus that hijacks your smartphone and asks for a ransom to free it.
4. Trial Period
A message informs the user that they had a one-year free trial period and that it has expired. In this way, they trick you into accessing a “customer portal” , providing your personal data and thus being able to continue using WhatsApp.
They require you to add your credit card details to get one more year of subscription, leaving the way for hackers to commit financial fraud.
5. ZooPark
This dangerous Trojan was created with the aim of accessing the contact list and obtaining more information from WhatsApp accounts.
But over time the software evolved, and now it is capable of stealing the photos and videos you have stored, accessing the files, viewing your browsing history, and even activating the camera and microphone to spy on us in real-time .
This threat accesses the cell phone through download pages, infected banners, or suspicious links.
6. Tizi
It is a WhatsApp virus that attacks Android devices to obtain a series of personal data from different applications. In fact, until recently this dangerous spyware was found in the official Play Store, so many people were deceived.
Tizi has the ability to steal the chat history, record the calls, and steal the contact list.
7. Brata
The hackers managed to sneak this malware in one of the updates of the app, with the aim of spying on all user activities: chats, calls, video calls, contact list, location, photos, videos, etc.
Although the company managed to neutralize this threat, we advise you to check the downloaded files to rule out that you have been infected.
