WhatsApp It is the most popular messaging application. More than 2 billion people In 180 countries around the world they use it to contact friends and family for free. Allows you to send messages and make calls from anywhere at all times.
But, the Meta platform also becomes a scenario that puts the security from users to facilitate the theft of sensitive and personal datasuch as bank account passwords. A simple notification, an unexpected message or a file downloaded without warning, can become the first step towards a hacking or virtual scam.
These scams are one of the new means that criminals have to commit crimes. They capture victims through all available channels: from emails, calls that impersonate identities, or text messages from WhatsApp or other applications with links that pretend to be real or fake files.
That is why WhatsApp is testing a new feature for this year that will protect users from suspicious links: will allow view website icon next to the link that is sent or received. Learn more about this tool that will be key to preview and avoid scams.
New icon to detect suspicious links
Some cybercriminals communicate with their potential victims through WhatsApp. For this, first send messages pretending to be application advisors, surveys or workers from different recognized companies or organizations. Then they invite them to enter a website with a link attached.
This link redirects you to a website that seems to be official; but, in reality, users access a page fraudulent which allows scammers to obtain your personal data.
With this new function that will allow see the website icon next to the link that is sent or received, preventing scams will be an easier task. For example, if a person receives a message from a supposed WhatsApp support advisor instructing them to enter a web page, the user could verify authenticity of the link before entering by simply seeing the associated website icon. This way you can prevent your personal information from being stolen or your mobile phone hacked.
With this new tool, users will have more options to verify if a website is secure– the link address, the suspicious WhatsApp link callsign, the sender and now, the website icon.
According to WaBetaInfothe information channel where you can discover news and updates in real time about WhatsApp, this option would be in the testing phase for iPhone in the WhatsApp Beta version 25.1.10.71.
How to detect a suspicious link on WhatsApp?
To detect a suspicious link on WhatsApp, you can follow these tips:
- Check the link address: check the URL before clicking. If the link seems strange or contains errors in the name (such as “facebokk.com” instead of “facebook.com”), it is likely fake.
- Beware of shortened links– Shortened links (such as those from bit.ly) can hide the true address. If you receive such a link, be careful, especially if you don’t know where it comes from.
- Check the sender: If the message comes from an unknown number or from someone you don’t have in your contacts, it is better to be suspicious (especially if the message includes a link).
- Analyze the context– If the message contains an offer that’s too good to be true, such as prizes or free products, it’s probably a scam. Legitimate companies will never ask for personal information or money over WhatsApp.
- Pay attention to spelling errors: Scams often have spelling or grammar errors in the message, which can be a sign that it is not coming from a trustworthy source.
- Do not follow urgent instructions– If the message asks to act quickly, such as “click this link before time runs out,” it is likely a scam attempt. Criminals often use pressure to make quick decisions.
- Use the preview function– WhatsApp shows a preview of the links. If the preview does not load correctly or looks suspicious, it is best not to click the link.
Source: Ambito
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