Is there a Trojan behind this WhatsApp update? Another WhatsApp message is making the rounds and we received various inquiries about it over the past weekend.
These are the allegations that are once again making the rounds on Facebook and WhatsApp:
The message as worded:
The above message, as well as the following one, can be safely ignored at the moment. We reported on this topic on July 28, 2015, over 1 1/2 years ago, and this dubious “WhatsApp Gold Update” really existed. However, this is no longer current at the moment. Therefore, the above message can be classified as a chain letter.
What was or is it about?
WhatsApp Gold was a fake version of the messenger WhatsApp . This premium version supposedly has numerous new features that WhatsApp itself does not offer. These include new functions such as video chats, self-deleting messages and much more.
BUT BE CAREFUL!
behind this “ Whatsapp Gold ” whose goal is to inject malware onto the smartphone in order to be able to access user data. Furthermore, pop-up notices are repeatedly displayed that redirect you to dubious competitions and subscription traps!
Apparently this new version is only available to celebrities and you can only get it if you get an invitation link from a user who already uses WhatsApp Gold.
To date there is only an English language version which reads as follows:
Hey Finally Secret Whatsapp golden version has been leaked, This version is used only by big celebrities. Now we can use it too.
This is followed by the “invitation link” to WhatsApp Gold.
However, this does not lead to the “Google Play Store” but rather software is downloaded here that did NOT come from WHATSAPP itself.
Note: Always download WhatsApp and other apps from the Google App Store. WhatsApp does not send invitation links!
This malware should not pose a threat to iOS users and Android users have their own antivirus programs that can protect them from it.
Please NEVER download WhatsApp extensions etc. from third party providers. WhatsApp itself bans these apps and also blocks users who use such unauthorized apps/extensions.
Notes:
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