In the beta version of WhatsApp for Android there is a label that distinguishes forwarded messages useful to combat Chains of San Antonio
Information security is an aspect not to be underestimated when we use the WhatsApp application. On the service of instant messaging in fact we send every day very personal conversations, documents, videos and photos, and moreover the platform is exploited by hackers to spread viruses and online scams.
One of the biggest dangers on WhatsApp are the so-called Chains of St. Anthony, those messages that travel from smartphone to smartphone behind whose apparent innocuousness can also hide scams or tricks designed by hackers to push users to install malware, send money or simply enter confidential data in unsafe sites. Chain letters have recently become a favorite tool for cyber criminals on WhatsApp, so much so that now the service’s developers have decided to take measures to stop the spread of these fraudulent messages within the application.
Here’s how to defend yourself against chain letters on WhatsApp
In the new update being distributed, WhatsApp will mark messages forwarded by other users with a label. This way we will know that it is a standard message that was forwarded to us and that may not have been directed solely to us. This is a fairly simple solution, but one that can make users suspicious in case of Chain of St. Anthony, spam messages or fake news. The “Forwarded” label will not only affect text messages but will also be applied to Photos and Videos. The label will not be deactivated and will be shown automatically once we send a forwarded message through another conversation. But where will the Forwarded label appear? Simple, exactly above the text.
At the moment, the new WhatsApp feature to combat fraudulent Chain of Shingles is in test version for users subscribed to the WhatsApp beta service on Android, while there is still no news of the same feature applied to iOS systems. Although it is likely that once the test phase is over, the feature will be released to all users, both those with Android and iPhone smartphones.