The ability to send and receive any file via the instant messaging app can be used by cyber criminals to infect victims
Paraphrasing an old saying, everything has a price. Even the new feature of WhatsApp, introduced a few days ago, which allows you to send any type of file. A service that is likely to have, for users of the instant messaging app, a very expensive cost. In terms of security.
Before explaining the problem in more detail, let’s take a step back and return to the multi-file sharing offered by WhatsApp. With one of the latest updates, the app purchased by Facebook, in fact, supports any format. The new feature is very useful. There’s no doubt about it. Before, in fact, it was only possible to send certain types of files. As a result, people were forced to use alternative “roads” to send other file formats. Now, however, everything is much simpler. But also more dangerous. Among the files that can be sent there are also executable files. Translated it means that, taking advantage of the superficiality of users – and unfortunately there are really a lot of them – anyone could transfer viruses and malware on victims’ devices.
Malware risks
Simplicity does not always go along with security. Sharing any file via WhatsApp, in fact, can be a risk for users’ devices. And, therefore, also for their personal data. It is enough that a hacker knows the person’s number and sends him, as often happens with scams running on WhatsApp, not a link but a malicious file. If opened, the malicious content can install one of the many malware that affect smartphones. Especially Android.
How to protect yourself
The advice in these cases is always the same: be careful. Just as it is dangerous to open an email attachment arrived from an unknown sender, you should not click on files received from suspicious people. Keep your guard up even if the content comes from one of your contacts. If it is not possible to block the reception – which often happens automatically – it is essential not to click on the arrived file, which must absolutely be removed from the device.
The problem concerns not only smartphones, but also computers and all other mobile devices compatible with the new WhatsApp feature.