There is currently a roundup on WhatsApp. Security experts warn: stay away from the offer, as it is malware that also targets your friends and family in Messenger.

Very enticing, but not reliable, is currently a contest that is making the rounds on WhatsApp. If you download the required application, the text promises a new smartphone opportunity. Problem: According to ESET, the link to the message leads to a fake Google Play Store, in which you may not find a new smartphone, but fresh malware. (Fake) disguised as Huawei mobile app. And this is especially dangerous because it can interact with your WhatsApp contacts without your knowledge.

If the wrong competition has reached you through one of your contacts, then you should definitely not follow the instructions in the message. In the worst case, it will not only result in you. Obviously the whole thing is dangerous only for Android users. are you switched to ios Or iPhone users in general, malware cannot harm you.

This is what malware does

If you download the app from a fake store, you will be asked for special permission. Among other things, you have to agree to install applications that do not come from the official Google Play Store. All danger bells should ring here. If you still go one step further, Malware will install itself and request further permission. For example, to access your notifications and Android’s direct reply functions.

Other permissions, such as ignoring battery optimization and overwriting other apps, pave the way for malware. As a result, malware remains active in the background and cannot be eliminated by the system. Equipped with these rights, the virus is able to react to WhatsApp messages without knowing anything about you. As soon as friends and family members write you a message, the Android virus answers with a competition link and the malware can spread further. You will only see that WhatsApp has made itself independent while opening affected chats.

Security experts at ESET currently believe that the virus is primarily used for membership fraud campaigns and does not cause any further harm. However, malware can also be used for worse purposes, such as spying and accessing bank data and other sensitive information. To prevent this, you should never click on unknown or suspicious links. It does not matter whether you got it from a trusted contact or not. We also recommend that you download the app only from the official Google Play Store.