Will Cath cart, the head of WhatsApp, issued a warning on Twitter to users not to download phone or altered versions of the software. These apps, he claimed, may appear innocent, but they circumvent WhatsApp’s privacy and security measures, endangering users.
According to Cath cart, his team has found hidden spyware in programmed that may be downloaded from a developer by the name of Hey Mods outside of the Google Play Store. One of the imitation apps created by this developer is named Hey WhatsApp.
The programmed entice users with additional features not included in the original versions, then take their personal information without their knowledge. According to Cath cart, his team informed Google of their discovery and provided them with an update.
He warned users not to stray too far from Android’s official app store and claimed that Google Play Store can now detect and block previously downloaded “malicious imitation versions” of WhatsApp.
In addition to advising users to “always use WhatsApp through a trustworthy app store” or the Meta-owned company’s official website, Cath cart urged users to report any instances of friends or family members using harmful apps.
