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One of the 'most dangerous' WhatsApp message is back in India: 12 things to know
What can be called as the biggest hoax message circulated over WhatsApp-- WhatsApp Gold message, is back to spread panic among users. Interestingly, there are several variants of the message. While some messages could redirect you to link, other versions of the same message could be a hoax message. Here is everything you need to know.
The WhatsApp Gold message urges users to download ‘an update’ for the messaging app which in reality is a malware, says Venkat Krishnapur, Vice President of Engineering and Managing Director, McAfee India.
WhatsApp has a user base of over 200 million in India, which means that there is a high possibility of maximum impact being borne by Indian users, resulting in huge volumes of personal data being compromised, adds Krishnapur.
‘’The ‘WhatsApp Gold’ fiasco which first struck in 2016 has recently resurfaced in India where people are being sent WhatsApp messages urging them to download ‘an update’ for the messaging app which in reality is a malware. WhatsApp has a user base of over 200 million in India, which means that there is a high possibility of maximum impact being borne by Indian users, resulting in huge volumes of personal data being compromised,” says Venkat Krishnapur, Vice President of Engineering and Managing Director, McAfee India.
The WhatsApp Gold link is advertised with features like sending 100 photos to users at once, or the ability to delete sent messages any time.
Another sample of the WhatsApp Gold message reads, “Whatsapp Gold. A video will be launched tomorrow in Whatsapp called Martinelli. DO NOT OPEN it. Its a virus which goes into your phone and nothing will fix it. Do not update to Whatsapp Gold the virus is serious.”
Simply delete any message that you receive on WhatsApp which states that users shouldn’t open a video named Martinelli as it would hack their phones. It’s a harmless hoax and nothing happens.
The hoax message is usually comes with “Forwarded” tag, without any specific source or legitimacy.
Note that WhatsApp is a free messaging app and there are no official paid subscription based version of WhatsApp. If you receive any such message to subscribe to WhatsApp then be assured that it’s a phishing attempt and do no click on any link in the message.
Never fall for messages like invitations to third party fake WhatsApp versions. Note that there are countless fake WhatsApp apps and always be sure to download the verified official app.
A stalker can guess your exact location by just sending you a multimedia file like an image or GIF on WhatsApp. Never download any content from unknown senders.
The ‘WhatsApp Gold’ fiasco which first struck in 2016 has recently resurfaced in India.
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