A WhatsApp Link Is Inviting Virus Into Your Device Today. Protect Your Phone Like This.

WhatsApp is under the radar again, this time for a virus that is spreading through multiple groups. WhatsApp users have been receiving links that claim that it can turn the theme of the application from its original green to pink. Additionally, the link also states to come with new features that don't exist in the original version of the app. Cyber experts have warned all users to refrain from opening the link.

Like all malicious links, this link too has been masked as an official update from team WhatsApp. If the user happens to open the link, the phones are prone to get hacked which might put access to their WhatsApp account at risk. A PTI report claims that many WhatsApp users have been sharing the link unknowingly.

"Beware of WhatsApp Pink! A virus is being spread in WhatsApp groups with an APK download link. Don't click any link with the name of #WhatsAppPink. Complete access to your phone will be lost," Rajshekhar Rajaharia, a cybersecurity expert posted on social media.

According to Cyber intelligence firm Voyager Infosec director Jiten Jain, all users are strictly advised to never install an APK or mobile applications other than those available on the official Google Playstore or Apple app store.

"Such malicious apps can be used to compromise your phone and steal personal data like photos, SMS, contacts, etc. Keyboard-based malware can be used to track everything you type. It can be used to capture and steal banking passwords. The current case of Pink WhatsApp or WhatsApp Gold is also a case of malware impersonating fake WhatsApp feature apps", said Jain.

Here's an official statement from WhatsApp, "Anyone can get an unusual, uncharacteristic or suspicious message on any service, including email, and anytime that happens we strongly encourage everyone to use caution before responding or engaging. On WhatsApp in particular, we also recommend that people use the tools that we provide within the app to send us a report, report a contact, or block contact."