Beware of being hacked when installing modified versions of WhatsApp and Telegram apps.

Modded applications (those with modified features and interfaces) are quite popular on the Android platform because users are allowed to install software outside the Play Store. Among them, modified versions of OTT applications like WhatsApp and Telegram are widely used because they offer new experiences to users. However, hackers have begun exploiting this program to secretly attack users.

Recently, a team of researchers from the security company Kaspersky published a report showing that a modified version of WhatsApp alone was the target of over 340,000 attacks in just one month. The hackers targeted a global audience. According to experts, this modified version not only offers features like message scheduling and customization options, but also contains a malicious spyware module.

The WhatsApp mod that's being distributed may contain spyware.

Specifically, the modified version includes several added components that were not present in the original version released by the development team. After being installed on the victim's device, a signal receiver will initiate a suspicious service and activate the spyware module, sending requests with device information to a server controlled by the attacker.

This data includes the International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) number, phone number, country code, and telecommunications network code… In addition, every 5 minutes, the program transmits the victim's detailed contact and account information, even setting up microphone recordings and extracting files from external memory to send.

To spread more quickly, this version was embedded on information-sharing channels among users on Telegram, including channels with millions of subscribers. The attack began erupting in mid-August, and Telegram received warnings about the issue.

Dmitry Kalinin, a security expert at Kaspersky, stated: “ People often trust applications from well-known sources, but scammers exploit that trust. The spread of malicious mods through popular third-party platforms highlights the importance of using officially released applications. If you need additional features not included in the original application, users should consider using a reputable security solution before installing unfamiliar software to protect their data from being compromised. It's best to always download applications from official app stores or websites .”

Additionally, users are advised not to ignore security patch updates from the device manufacturer (released monthly or quarterly), and to regularly update the software on their device. In case the device shows any unusual signs, users can refer to additional information on how to detect and handle the situation here.

Khanh Linh

Source: https://vtc.vn/can-than-bi-hack-khi-cai-ban-mod-ung-dung-whatsapp-telegram-ar833778.html