WhatsApp under threat — multiple vulnerabilities in older versions of the app and a new ‘Pink’ malware on the prowl

• India’s cybersecurity watchdog, CERT-In, has warned users about the ‘high’ number of vulnerabilities to WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business’ older versions.
• Meanwhile, malware disguised as an offer to turn WhatsApp’s traditional green into pink or gold is also making the rounds in group chats.
  
• Users are recommended to keep their WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business mobile apps up to date and report to the company if they come across any suspicious links.

The Indian cybersecurity watchdog, Cert-In, has issued a ‘high’ severity rating against WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business. According to the vulnerability note, the emergency response team has found ‘multiple’ vulnerabilities within the mobile apps. And these loopholes could allow hackers to gain access to sensitive information about you.

“Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow the attacker to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information on a target system,” said the note.

However, this is only an issue for users still running an old version of WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business. If your app is up to date, then your information should be safe.

But that’s not it. A new threat has been making the rounds over group chat. The link entices users by offering to turn the WhatsApp interface from its traditional green color to a shade of pink as well as new features. Another claims to turn WhatsApp from green to gold.

WhatsApp is meant to be green

Cybersecurity experts claim that clicking on the link offering to turn WhatsApp into a different colour may lead to users losing access to their accounts altogether. According to PTI, several WhatsApp users have been circulating that link unknowingly.


WhatsApp recommends keeping away from unverified links. "Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic, or suspicious message on any service, including email, and anytime that happens we strongly encourage everyone to use caution before responding or engaging,” the company said in a statement.

It also recommends that people use the tools that are provided within the app to send the company a report, report a contact, or block contact.

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