Link claiming to change WhatsApp theme to pink is a virus, do not click

Don’t click on such malicious links. It may allow hackers to gain access to your device and WhatsApp account.

Link claiming to change Whatsapp in Pink is a virus, can hack mobile phone: Cyber experts (Bloomberg)

If you receive a message with a link that claims to turn WhatsApp's theme from default green to pink, do not click. It is a virus, and clicking on the link may allow cybercriminals to hack your phone. You may also lose access to your WhatsApp account.

"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," said cybersecurity expert Rajshekhar Rajaharia, who was one of the first ones to flag the spam.

Interestingly, the malicious WhatsApp Pink looks identical to the main application, making it difficult for users to distinguish. A few things like the Settings menu, however, looks different. Regular WhatsApp users will know that the features mentioned here are not part of the main app.

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 WhatsApp Pink. Complete access to your phone will be lost. Share with All..#InfoSec #Virus @IndianCERT @internetfreedom @jackerhack @sanjg2k1 pic.twitter.com/KbbtK536F2

— Rajshekhar Rajaharia (@rajaharia) April 17, 2021

Nonetheless, do not download any APK or mobile apps that bypass the official app stores such as Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users should not forward such things to their contacts as well. According to a PTI report, some users are forwarding such messages.

"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,” a WhatsApp spokesperson told PTI.

WhatsApp users are frequently targeted by such malicious message attacks. This year we have seen a couple of similar scams. For instance, there was a new WhatsApp forward scam that offered free Amazon gifts after completing a survey. The link in the message takes a user to a fraudulent website asks users to enter their details and forward the same link to 5 groups or 20 friends.

That said, do not click that seems malicious. Also, do not forward it to your friends. In case you receive it, quickly report and block the sender.