Whatsapp Image Scam: Recently people are getting trapped in a new kind of scam going on on WhatsApp. People are being sent images or songs on WhatsApp and when downloaded, their phones are getting hacked. Many people have also complained about money being withdrawn from their bank accounts. 

WhatsApp Image Scam: WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app today with more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide. About 50 crore people use it in India too. But while on one hand this app has become a means of connecting people, it is also becoming a big weapon for cyber criminals. After calls, phishing links, hackers have now adopted a new method. Hackers are stealing people's personal information and money through image files. A shocking case has come to light from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where a young man downloaded a picture sent on WhatsApp and about Rs 2 lakh disappeared from his account.

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WhatsApp - Photo : AI

What is this new scam?

Cybercriminals are now using a technique called 'steganography', which involves hiding data in a media file (such as images, videos or audio). These files look completely normal, but they contain malware that gets activated as soon as it reaches the phone.

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What is Steganography?

Steganography is a technique in which data is hidden inside a media file. In image files like .jpg or .png, this data is hidden in metadata or 'Least Significant Bits' (LSB). This part does not affect the quality of the image, but malware can be inserted into the phone through it.

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How is the attack happening?

When the user downloads these image files, these files activate a malware. This malware can not only access the passwords stored in the phone, but can also intercept OTPs. The special thing is that this malware is not easily detected like traditional phishing links, which makes it even more dangerous.

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Even antiviruses are unable to identify it.

According to cyber security experts, it is not easy for common antivirus apps to identify such steganographic malware. Advanced forensic tools and behavioral analysis are required to catch them.

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Whatsapp Message - Photo : AI

How to avoid this image scam?

To avoid this scam, you first have to turn off auto download on WhatsApp. Go to WhatsApp settings and turn off automatic media download in 'Storage and Data'. This will ensure that no file will be saved in the phone without asking.

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Do not open media files from unknown numbers

If you receive any image or video from an unknown person, do not open or download it. Report and block the number if needed.

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Limit group invites:

Go to WhatsApp's privacy settings and restrict group invites to 'My Contacts' so that you can't be added to unknown groups.

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Do not share sensitive information

Never send OTP or banking details on WhatsApp, even if the person is an acquaintance. Always verify through some other means.

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