JAKARTA - WhatsApp has warned about 200 users who downloaded a fake version of their application. The messaging platform said that this application is dangerous because it is infiltrated by spyware.
WhatsApp accused an Italian surveillance technology provider named SIO of creating the malicious application. Based on the findings of the WhatsApp security team, the majority of victims are domiciled in Italy.
As a form of protection, WhatsApp removed these deceived users from their accounts for security reasons. Users are encouraged to immediately delete the fake application and switch to the original version available in the official application store.
The company emphasized that downloading unofficial applications is very risky for the privacy and security of one's personal data. Currently, WhatsApp is still conducting further investigations to find out whether the victims are journalists or civil society activists.
Margarita Franklin as a spokesperson for WhatsApp stated that protecting users who are deceived is the company's top priority at this time. In addition to giving warnings, WhatsApp also plans to sue the perpetrators to stop their activities.
"Our priority is to protect users who may be fooled into downloading this fake iOS app," Franklin said, quoted by TechCrunch on Thursday, April 2.
The spyware found by WhatsApp is known as Spyrtacus. The software is embedded in the code of a fake application on the iOS operating system.
Previously, the same company had also created a fake application by posing as a mobile operator's customer support tool. The application targets Android users.
The tactic of using fake apps for surveillance is a method that is quite often found in Italy. Links to download these malicious apps are usually sent to users through fraudulent messages that seem to come from official sources.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
