The WhatsApp image may have now become a way to steal data. A new WhatsApp image scam can steal your data, bank account details, and passwords and can even take control of your device. In a recent incident in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a man lost around Rs. 2 lakh from his bank account after downloading a photo that was sent by an unknown number.
With 33% of the world population now on this messaging platform, the report is being considered worrisome.
What is the new WhatsApp image scam
Firstly, an image from an unknown number is sent to the people. The image is fully embedded with malware codes. Once the recipient downloads the image, the malware gets access to the apps and personal details, including your bank account access, passwords, UPI credentials, OTPs, and other sensitive information.
These images are embedded with malicious links, and it is done by a technique called steganography. With the help of this method, cybercriminals conceal data within particular digital files (like images).
So after downloading the image, the scammers get all the access with regards to your device along with sensitive information, and then they can control your device remotely. This new way of hacking is a major concern for WhatsApp users, as it is way more difficult to track these scammers.
How can you take prevention from this new scam?
The first and foremost thing is to avoid interacting with or accepting text and images from unknown numbers. Always check for the phone number and verify if the number belongs to any authentic person; if it’s a fraud, you can do the same using apps like Truecaller. Disable the auto-download media option by going into settings. Install an authentic anti-virus and always keep your mobile phones updated. List the phone numbers in the spam or report section, if you get a call from an unknown number asking you to download images/videos.
Keep the above-mentioned things in mind and keep on educating yourself about various updates and security measures for your device.
