Recently, I got the below message on my cellphone from a friend in one of the Whatsapp groups of which I am a member.
‘Hey, I am inviting you to try whatsapp calling click here to activate now — https://WhatsappCalling.com’
I was happy to read that now the most popular cross-mobile messaging platform, WhatsApp has a calling feature. Just the way it has made messaging as well as sharing files/videos free and convenient, calling would also be free. So, my mobile bill will again drop (It really dropped when they launched the messaging app J). I was curious to know more about this new facility of Whatsapp, so I visited their website. However, I was surprised to see no mention of it. I checked on goggle and realized that WhatsApp has not yet announced any calling feature officially. Though, many of its users claim to have used it.
As soon as I once again went back to the group to check that message, I saw one more message from another friend that said – ‘DO NOT DOWNLOAD (WhatsApp calling) SOFTWARE… IT’S A FAKE THING TO HACK YOUR CONTACTS.’
Reading the message, the next thing that my mind said was, “Saved!!!!”
WhatsApp’s calling was the most talked about feature during 2014. However, it was not launched. Currently, WhatsApp developers were testing the calling feature by inviting a group of random users to test out the calling mode. It is claimed that the testing involves the amount of data used for a conventional VoIP call using WhatsApp via the internet, the call quality and the security involved while calling. The testing team says that in order to get the WhatsApp calling feature activated on the Smartphone, the user must have an updated version of WhatsApp.
Many WhatsApp users are requesting other users who have the calling feature enabled on their handsets, to make a call to them in order to get the service activated. It’s like passing the invitation to another user by simply making a call. However, the fact is that even if you receive a voice call from a WhatsApp user/friend, you may not get activated to make future calls as it all depends on the servers at WhatsApp. Currently, WhatsApp has this feature available to only limited number of users/devices.
The leading mobile-messaging application company has even declared a notice that says;
‘Do not entertain any WhatsApp message or email that states he/she has invited you to get the WhatsApp feature enabled. Many of these messages are fake and you could end up with a virus or malware on your smartphone and risk your privacy.’
WhatsApp has more than 450 million users across the globe. Its 70% of users are active each day, thus making it having one of the highest daily active user bases in the world. So it is obvious that this popularity of app has given rise to various cyber-criminal activities mainly targeting its users.
This fake message that is circulating all over the WhatsApp space and inviting its users to test the new calling feature is a trick by hackers. In case, you click on the link, it will redirect you to another website where you will be asked to take a survey on behalf of the popular messaging service. The survey forces IT users to download applications and software that might carry malicious malware onto your phone. And then, all that data which is confidential to you as of now will be in the hands of hackers.
I realized that this was one more time that I was saved from being hacked or my data being compromised. But the very next moment a thought came to mind saying that for ‘how many more times you will be lucky?’ It is so true. Any of us can anytime be a victim of such scams initiated by hackers.
So as it is said that prevention is better than cure, below are few pointer to be kept in mind for everyone who uses Smartphones and downloads various applications;
- Always read the description of the app before you are installing.
- In the app, there is a ‘Developer’ section which includes ‘Visit Webpage’ column. It includes the link for the official webpage of the company. Read the information carefully before installing any app.
- In case you come across any app that is malicious, flag it as inappropriate. This will help the developers in re-verifying the app. Moreover, you might prevent another user like you from being compromised.
- Whenever downloading any app onto your Smartphone, read the ‘privacy policy’ and ‘access right’ information before you install the app. There are many apps that does not require access to many of your information to operate, but still they ask right to access for it.
- Do not click on any link mentioned in the message. In case you are too curious to know about it, type the link/URL in another browser tab to check what it contains.
- In case you happen to click on any such link and your banking credentials or other details are asked for, never provide.
- Beware of phishing websites that contain identical looking logos, pictures and banners that are designed by hackers to target you.
- Pay close attention to the URL (Internet address) of the link mentioned in the message.
- There are few websites that automatically download Malware onto your computer, beware of such questionable websites. Hence, to mitigate such attacks, an Antivirus in your device is a must.
- It is always wise to use a reliable Anti-Virus and content security software to protect your computer/mobile/tablet from harmful viruses.
- Keep the security settings of your digital device to a higher level. Configure its anti-virus settings to perform automatic system updates.
Remember, after all it is our responsibility to secure our personal information. By being extra cautious and vigilant, we can minimize the chances of becoming a victim of such scams.
1 Comments
Emma
Thanks, Worked perfect.