# Did you download Hey WhatsApp? Beware of hidden malware; check warning | Tech News (HT Tech) > WhatsApp head Will Cathcart informs about malware within Hey WhatsApp and others apps. So, if you have downloaded Hey WhatsApp, then beware of malware. # Did you download Hey WhatsApp? Beware of hidden malware; check warning ## WhatsApp head Will Cathcart informs about malware within Hey WhatsApp and others apps. So, if you have downloaded Hey WhatsApp, then beware of malware. Aug 22 2022, 13:52 IST ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook.png) ![Follow on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/follow-us-facebook-hover.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Share.png) ![Share](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Shareclicked.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp.png) ![Share on WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/whatsapp-hover.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter.png) ![Share on Twitter](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/twitter-hover.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook.png) ![Share on Facebook](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/facebook-hover.png) ![Bookmark](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmark.png) ![Bookmarked](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/Bookmarked.png) ![WhatsApp](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/img/2022/07/14/1600x900/META-PLATFORMS-MESSAGING-0_1657695345985_1657695345985_1657799671999_1657799671999.JPG) Here is what Will Cathcart, WhatsApp head, said about malware on Hey WhatsApp and other apps. (REUTERS) ![Author Photo](https://images.hindustantimes.com/tech/static/revamp/images/png/HTTech-new-circle-logo.png) ### By HT TECH WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps. However, there are several other clone or fake versions of the app available for download. In fact, many people have downloaded one called Hey WhatsApp. However, you should know that these are fake apps and they look absolutely normal. However, if you use them, they can harm you in several ways including stealing your personal details. Will Cathcart, WhatsApp head at Meta Platforms informed about the same via his official Twitter handle. "Reminder to @WhatsApp users that downloading a fake or modified version of WhatsApp is never a good idea. These apps sound harmless but they may work around WhatsApp privacy and security guarantees. A thread:," Cathcart tweeted. In a series of tweets, he further informed that recently the security team has discovered hidden malware within apps – offered outside of Google Play Store - from a developer called “HeyMods” that included "Hey WhatsApp" and others. > Reminder to @WhatsApp users that downloading a fake or modified version of WhatsApp is never a good idea. These apps sound harmless but they may work around WhatsApp privacy and security guarantees. A thread:— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 11, 2022 He informed that these apps promised new features but were just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. WhatsApp head also said that the details have been shared with Google and his team has worked with them to combat these malicious apps. "Google Play Protect on Android can now detect and disable previously downloaded malicious fake versions of WhatsApp. We appreciate the help of Google for their continued work to prevent malicious apps from proliferating on Android devices," one of his tweets read. Also read click here. He further added, "We’ll of course continue our efforts to detect and block these kinds of apps going forward. We're also taking enforcement action against HeyMods to stop future harm, and will further explore legal options to hold HeyMods and others like them accountable." > If you see friends or family using a different form of WhatsApp please encourage them to only use WhatsApp from a trusted app store or our official website directly at https://t.co/YAJdT4emYv.— Will Cathcart (@wcathcart) July 11, 2022 He also said that mobile phone malware is a pernicious threat that must be countered and the security community continues to develop new ways to prevent it from spreading. Cathcart asked WhatsApp users if they see their friends or family using a different form of WhatsApp then encourage them to only use WhatsApp from a trusted app store or official website directly at http://WhatsApp.com/dl. Catch all the Latest Tech News, Mobile News, Laptop News, Gaming news, Wearables News , How To News, also keep up with us on Whatsapp channel,Twitter, Facebook, Google News, and Instagram. 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