GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android Can Steal Personal Information, Here’s How

GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android are capable of installing malware on users’ phones and thus steal personal information

GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android are usually downloaded by users for they offer lucrative new features along with the existing features that the original WhatsApp has to offer. However, users must know that downloading GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android can no only get them banned permanently from the original WhatsApp platform, but also lead to malware getting installed on mobile phones, which can steal sensitive information such as photographs, videos, and passwords of the users.

This new finding has been revealed by Will Cathcart, head of WhatsApp at Meta on Twitter. “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,” he warned while revealing the findings of the WhatsApp security team. Cathcart says that the WhatsApp security team recently discovered hidden malware within apps, offered outside of Google Play, from a developer called “HeyMods” that included "Hey WhatsApp" and others.

"These apps promised new features but were just a scam to steal personal information stored on people’s phones. We’ve shared what we found with Google and worked with them to combat the malicious apps,” added Cathcart while appreciating the help of Google for their continued work to prevent malicious apps from proliferating on Android devices. Google Play Protect on Android ia capable of detecting and disabling previously downloaded malicious fake versions of WhatsApp.

Cathcart also stated that they would also continue their 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. 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,” retreated Cathcart.

Furthermore, downloading mod apps like GB WhatsApp for iOS and Android can also get users permanently banned from WhatsApp. “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,” commented Cathcart.