A new WhatsApp scam promises to turn Android apps pink: actually data-stealing malware.

Internet security researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia pointed out the scam on Twitter and warned users not to be fooled by the promise to turn WhatsApp's green theme pink. Furthermore, the scam is disguised as an official update, so if you see an APK download link spreading on WhatsApp groups, don't click on it.

Rajaharia warns that clicking on the link not only gives hackers access to your device, but can also spread to your contacts through messages. He also said that WhatsApp users on iOS need not worry, as the malware (technically a Trojan horse, i.e., malware disguised as good software that tricks users into installing it) appears to be installed only on Android devices.

Of course, if you have already been victimized, that is not the end of the story. Rajaharia explains the next steps.

First, uninstall WhatsApp Pink. Next, unlink all WhatsApp web devices and clear the browser cache from the settings. After that, please check the permissions for all apps. If there are any suspicious apps, remove their permissions.

The best way to avoid such scams in the future is to not install APKs or apps other than the official versions from the respective platform's app store.

Do not allow apps or processes other than official apps from the Google Play Store to install software on your Android device. Go to Settings > Apps and Notifications > Access to Special Apps > Install Unknown Apps and make sure "Not Allowed" is under all listed apps.

Jiten Jain, director of cybersecurity firm Voyager Infosec, told Outlook India: [Such malicious apps can be used to compromise your phone and steal personal data such as photos, SMS, and contacts. use. Keyboard-based malware can be used to track everything you type. It can also steal your bank passwords. The current outbreaks of "Pink WhatsApp" and "WhatsApp Gold" are also malware impersonating fake WhatsApp feature apps.

A WhatsApp spokesperson told the outlet, "We all have the potential to receive unusual, uncharacteristic, or suspicious messages on any service, including email. Especially on WhatsApp, we encourage you to use the tools provided within the app to send reports, report contacts, or block contacts.