Users of whatsapp on android must be vigilant in the face of a new problem plaguing the famous messaging application. A simple malicious link circulates and can cause significant malfunctions for those who click on it. Find out the details of this bug and how to prevent it.
A trapped link that crashes WhatsApp
For the past few days, a strange link has been circulating on WhatsApp and threatens the stability of the application on Android smartphones. Indeed, by clicking on this malicious link, users can see their application crash and no longer work properly. This bug primarily affects Android versions of the app, but other operating systems may also be affected.
How to recognize the dangerous link
This booby-trapped link is usually sent by a contact or group you belong to. It can be in the form of a shortened URL, as often in this kind of case. In order to avoid falling into the trap, it is recommended not to click on the links of which you are not sure of the origin, even if they come from your contacts.
The consequences of clicking on the link
By clicking on the malicious link, the WhatsApp application crashes instantly and becomes unusable. It is then necessary to restart the smartphone for the application to work again, but this is not always enough. In some cases, users had to uninstall and then reinstall WhatsApp to regain normal functionality.
The reasons behind this bug
Although it is still difficult to determine the exact origin of this problem, several hypotheses are mentioned by the experts. Among them :
- Malicious code embedded in the link that exploits a security vulnerability in the application or operating system.
- A denial of service (DDoS) attack aimed at saturating WhatsApp’s servers.
- A simple programming error in the application itself.
Whatever the cause of this bugit is essential for users to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect their data and application.
How to guard against such problems
To avoid falling into the trap of these malicious links and other potential threats, here are some tips to follow:
- Update regularly your WhatsApp application and your operating system to benefit from the latest security updates.
- Don’t click on links that you’re not sure are coming from, even if they come from your contacts. Do not hesitate to ask the sender for confirmation before clicking.
- Use a quality antivirus on your smartphone to detect and block possible threats.
- Make sure your smartphone’s security settings are properly configured and enabled.
WhatsApp: an application often targeted by hackers
This is not the first time that WhatsApp has been the victim of bugs or malicious attacks. Indeed, the instant messaging application, which has more than two billion users worldwide, is regularly the target of hackers seeking to exploit its security flaws.
Important precedents
We remember in particular the Pegasus spyware, developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, which infected smartphones by exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp in 2019. More recently, in February 2021, a bug affected certain users by preventing them from accessing their messages and to their contact list.
The need for increased vigilance
Faced with these recurring threats, it is essential for WhatsApp users to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to protect their data and their application. By following the advice mentioned above, you will put the odds on your side to avoid unpleasant surprises.
