The apps of MILLIONS of WhatsApp users should be checked.
You can be using a malicious version of WhatsApp that exposes your texts.
All users are urged to utilise the correct app by an official WhatsApp warning.
If you use a “Clone” of WhatsApp, you risk being blocked or possibly monitored.
These apps frequently promise extra capabilities that are not available in the standard version of WhatsApp, but they come with significant hazards.
“Unofficial Whatsapp apps are altered versions of our app, which means they’re developed by third-parties and violate our Terms of Service,” WhatsApp warned.
“We don’t support these apps because they put your privacy, security, and safety at risk.
“If you use them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data like your location or the files you share will be private and secure.”
There are real dangers if you’re using a fake app.
It’s possible that total strangers may be able to read your messages and see your photos.
Additionally, it can result in WhatsApp banning you.
“These apps put your privacy, security, and safety at risk,” WhatsApp explained.
“If you’re using them, there’s no guarantee your messages or your data, like your location or the files you share, will be private and secure.
“Your account might also be temporarily or permanently banned.”
Check the official store pages for iPhone on iOS and Android to make sure you’re using the right app:
- WhatsApp for iOS – download here
- WhatsApp for Android – download here
Google issues warnings to users who have downloaded WhatsApp “clones”.
So you may have noticed an alert pop up that reads “This app is fake.”
“If you’ve received this Play Protect Warning from Google, you’re likely using an unauthorized and unofficial version of WhatsApp,” WhatsApp explained.
“Due to security concerns, Google may disable and uninstall these applications.”
Unfortunately, there is no assurance that reverting to the official WhatsApp would enable you to move your chat history.
Therefore, if you switch to the official WhatsApp, you could have to give up your old texts.