Reports have emerged that Internet fraudsters have turned to WhatsApp hack, sending virus files that are capable of uplifting bank details of users over the messaging platform with the intention to dupe.
According to a report, the virus, disguised as a Microsoft Excel files intending to deceive unsuspecting WhatsApp users, is a strategy designed in a way that once opened on the WhatsApp messaging app, the documents can gather vital information from users, including online banking details, and upload to the sender automatically.
“Hackers have started stealing people’s bank details by sending files over the messaging service WhatsApp. Once opened, the documents can gather sensitive information from users, including online banking details,” a part of the report.
The two files reported are: ‘NDA-ranked-8th-toughest-College-in-the-world-to-get-into.xls’ and ‘NIA-selection-order-.xls’.
Indications reveal that only WhatsApp users in India and some other countries have been targeted. The fraudsters send the files disguised as coming from the Indian National Defence Academy or the National Investigation Agency.
“As these two organizations are very popular and known within the country and abroad and there is a curiosity to know more about them, it is possible that it may affect the mobile phones of people interested in these subjects,” Indian officials said.
“However, it has been analysed that the men and women in defence, paramilitary and police forces could be the target groups,” they said.
They added the information has been shared with these security forces so the troops and officers are alerted against the virus messages.
However, the hack could be replicated in other countries.