New WhatsApp scam: hackers send files from known numbers to steal data

WhatsApp has become part of everyday life, used for sending photos, videos and even office documents. But a new way of using the app to defraud people has emerged. Cyber security company Quick Heal has issued a major warning about it. Hackers are sending files containing viruses to phones over WhatsApp, and people have no idea it is happening.

The method these hackers use is quite clever. They first hack someone's WhatsApp account. Then they send a file to every number in that account's contact list. Think about it: if a file arrives from your office boss or a friend, what would you do? Since the number is familiar, you would naturally open it right away. Hackers exploit exactly this trust.

The file appears to come from someone you know, but it has actually been sent by the hacker. The file looks completely genuine, made to resemble a business report, a bill or an office document. It is even named accordingly, so that it looks authentic. Once the file is opened, all the data on the phone can reach the hackers.

Quick Heal has said that these hackers do not target random people. They deliberately target high-value individuals, such as people in a company's finance team, senior officials, chartered accountants and businesspeople. This is because their phones or laptops contain financial transactions and confidential company information. Obtaining that information is highly profitable for the hackers. They also keep changing their methods constantly, which makes them difficult to catch.

There are a few things to keep in mind to avoid falling victim to this. There is no need to panic, but some caution is needed. First, if a file arrives from someone you know and you find yourself wondering why it was sent suddenly, do not download it immediately, wait. The simplest solution is to call and confirm. If a file has come from a friend, call them directly and ask whether they sent it. If they say no, understand that something is wrong.

If any suspicious file arrives, do not forward it to anyone else, as that could get both you and the other person into trouble. Keep the phone's software and antivirus updated at all times, since hackers can easily get into outdated software. If a file has a strange name, such as something like abc.exe.pdf, do not open it at all, delete it straight away. It is worth remembering that even if the number on WhatsApp is familiar, there is no guarantee that the person sending the message is actually them. Staying a little cautious will keep both the phone and the data safe.