Hackers can use WhatsApp to launch very varied attacks. They can use it to send fake files, try to steal passwords, or even send spam messages. In this article we are going to talk about the latter case. We’re going to explain why it’s a major security issue and, most importantly, what you can do to prevent it from happening and stay as safe as possible. You will see that it is simple, as long as you carry out a series of steps.
But what is spam? He is basically a misleading advertising message what can come to you Sometimes they send it by mail, SMS, social networks… And yes, also by WhatsApp. They may tell you that it is a campaign with a supposed offer, discount code or whatever, but it is actually a scam.
Spam by WhatsApp
Why is WhatsApp spam dangerous? Cybercriminals could refer you to a website controlled by them. That website may contain malware. They could tell you to download a file to, for example, access a discount or any other scam strategy they use.
They might also take you to a page that is actually Phishing, where they will invite you to log in to platforms like Amazon, also for a profit, but it is actually a trap. With this they could steal your passwords or personal data. They could even use that information to impersonate you.
Spam is not only annoying, but it is closely related to malware campaigns. They could infect your device for financial gain, such as through a fake app that runs in the background and starts showing you ads every time you open a program or enter your browser.
Therefore, Spam by WhatsApp can be a significant danger. It is essential that you avoid it, that you are protected and that you do not make mistakes that could pose a problem for your safety. Checking that everything works well, that you are browsing safely, is key to not having problems at any time.
How to protect yourself
So what can you do to avoid spam and protect yourself on WhatsApp? The most important thing is the common sense and not make mistakes. But be careful, we are not only referring to acting well when they send you a spam message of this type, but also to prevent them from sending it to you. This means that you should take care of your privacy and not expose your phone number more than necessary, as it could be used to send you spam.
It is also key to have protected device. In case you mistakenly click on a spam link and download a malicious file, a good antivirus can help you detect and remove it before it affects you. You will have many options available and it is good to install one that is guaranteed.
Also, it’s a good idea update always the device, every time a new version appears. Sometimes vulnerabilities arise that can be exploited to sneak in Spam or even steal your data. Therefore, having the latest versions installed will be essential to prevent attacks.
In short, as you can see, it is key avoid spam by whatsapp. It can become a real problem and taking precautionary measures will be important to avoid having problems. Just as you can know if a website is reliable to buy, you can also check if a link is safe or a scam before clicking.
