WhatsApp has alerted around 200 users who were tricked into installing a dangerous version of the instant messaging app. The platform said the fake version contained spyware and was developed for iPhones by Italian spyware maker SIO. In a statement to TechCrunch, WhatsApp said its security team identified around 200 users, most of them in Italy, who downloaded the dangerous app. The company has already logged them out and alerted them.
"Our security team has already identified around 200 users, most of them in Italy, who we believe may have downloaded this dangerous unofficial client," WhatsApp said in a statement. "We have logged them out, alerted them about the privacy and security risks of downloading this fake unofficial client, and asked them to remove it and download the official WhatsApp app."
WhatsApp hasn't disclosed who the targeted users were, but said it has sent a legal demand to the spyware firm to stop its dangerous activities. However, this isn't the first time SIO has created dangerous apps.
TechCrunch reported last year that SIO was behind several dangerous Android apps that contained its spyware, including fake WhatsApp apps and fake customer support tools for cellphone providers.
SIO reportedly develops government spyware through its subsidiary, ASIGINT. Its spyware was identified by the name SpyTex, a term found in the spyware's code.
WhatsApp users have been targeted by spyware before
This isn't the first time WhatsApp has discovered its users were being targeted by spyware. Last year, the platform alerted approximately 90 users that they had been targeted by spyware developed by US-Israeli surveillance tech maker Paragon Solutions.
WhatsApp sent these notifications to journalists and pro-immigration activists, among others.
WhatsApp offers stricter security settings
Meanwhile, for those who believe they may be the target of advanced cyber-attacks, WhatsApp offers stricter account settings for messages and media, account security, profiles, and groups.
This is an advanced optional security feature that enforces WhatsApp's strictest privacy and security controls to protect users from cyberattacks. It locks accounts to more private settings and limits chats with people outside the user's contacts.
This feature is designed for users who may be at higher risk and should only be enabled if they believe they may be targeted.
PC: IndiaToday
