This time it is not the classic scam attempt as it happens several times in the last period (from that of the fake vote to Image Scan) but WhatsApp and our devices are put at risk from a computer virus which can irreparably compromise our privacy if the system (photos, documents, etc.) is infected with a simple message contained in the most used app in the world.
How it works
The new virus uses the settings That each of us has of default: in fact, when you open any chat (single or group) very often photos, files, audio and video are automatically downloaded because in our settings these default options are already active. In this period, the new virus uses this vulnerability To attack our systems without us do anything “wrong” if not open a simple chat because the infected attachment is already downloaded. “The automatic options put at risk not only the personal data but also the security of the entire smartphone by opening the door to further attacks or theft of information “, Experts explain.
How to defend yourself
At this point the settings will necessarily have to change: Who owns an iPhone He will have to go inside WhatsApp, click on Settings and immediately after the “space and data” item. At that point a menu will open where you will read “automatic media download”. If at first we will see that the item “photo” usually includes download with Wi-Fi and cellular data while “audio”, “video” and “documents”, of default, have only the automatic download with the Wi-Fi, so as not to risk that the virus infected with each of the four voices we will have to select “never”. In this way, if not with our consent, any document will not be downloaded on our device and the virus will no longer be able to infect us.
For all those who have a Android deviceon the other hand, once inside WhatsApp you will have to click on the three points that are positioned at the top right in the display: at that point you have to click on Settings and select the item “space and data”.
At that point, when “storage and data” will appear for all the types of items that we have seen before (photos, audio, videos and documents) the “Never” option will have to eliminate the automatic download in the presence of mobile or wi-fi network. Recall that, in all cases, the option will be done manually for each individual item, there is no overall “never” that includes them all.