WhatsApp’s CEO admits the company discovered fake versions of the app.
Will Cathcart warns users against using fake App versions.
He advises users to only download WhatsApp from reputable app stores.
WhatsApp, a Meta-owned instant messaging service, has warned users against downloading fake versions of the app, claiming that doing so could endanger users’ security.
Will Cathcart, the Head of WhatsApp, revealed on Twitter that the company’s security team discovered a fake version of WhatsApp outside of Google Play that was offering new features to users.
“Recently, our security team discovered hidden malware within apps — offered outside of Google Play — from a developer called “HeyMods,” which included “Hey WhatsApp” and others,” he said in a tweet.
Recently our security team discovered hidden malware within apps – offered outside of Google Play – from a developer called “HeyMods” that included “Hey WhatsApp” and others.
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 11, 2022
Will Cathcart warned users that such phony versions were a scam designed to steal personal information from people’s phones.
“The company is taking actions against HeyMods to prevent future harm,” it continues, “and will further investigate legal options to hold HeyMods and others like them accountable.”
These apps promised new features but were just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. We’ve shared what we found with Google and worked with them to combat the malicious apps.
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 11, 2022
With the latest security threat in mind, WhatsApp’s CEO urged users to only download WhatsApp from a trusted app store.
Google Play Protect on Android can now detect and disable previously downloaded malicious fake versions of WhatsApp. We appreciate the help of Google for their continued work to prevent malicious apps from proliferating on Android devices.
— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 11, 2022
“If you see friends or family using a different form of WhatsApp, please encourage them to only use WhatsApp from a trusted app store or directly from our official website at http://WhatsApp.com/dl,” he advised users.