Ever since it appeared in the software landscape, WhatsApp has seen a series of MODs line up alongside it, or alternative versions of the most popular messaging program in the world, which provided unique and non-native functions in the original version of the software.
From the beginning the MODs have been ghettoized so much that in some cases the account used on WhatsApp can be suspended but their danger does not stop there, because their use can make you go against a much worse risk, namely the unaware installation of a malware, malicious software created for the purpose of stealing data from your smartphone. It is Kaspersky's cybersecurity specialists who warn us about a popular WhatsApp MOD that actually hides malicious code inside.
The MOD in question is YoWhatsApp, which contains the Triada Trojan which is able to steal passwords from user accounts and send them to the developer's remote server. Last year this same Trojan was also found on FMWhatsApp, so it is clear that behind all these MODs there is a malicious organization of hackers.
YoWhatsApp is advertised via Snaptube ads getting a large number of downloads thanks to its offering of extra features that the original WhatsApp app does not offer, such as the customizable interface and individual chat blocking. After installation, the same permissions as the official WhatsApp app are requested, with the difference that these are also granted to the Triada trojan.
Always rely on official versions of the apps
Malware is capable of stealing user logins, signing up for paid services and stealing money from unfortunate users. It can therefore also steal your WhatsApp login credentials, spying on your chats and even simulate your person with the aim of committing scams or spreading malware in turn. Kaspersky also reports that YoWhatsApp on the net is circulating under the false name of WhatsApp Plus, but also in this case it is malware.
In short, the advice is always to turn to the official versions of the programs and not to their MODs, but above all to avoid downloading APKs that do not come from reliable sites, or even to rely exclusively on the Google Play Store, which sifts daily. applications with various safety filters.
