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Fake WhatsApp App Caught Spreading Spyware
1 Apr
Summary
- WhatsApp notified around 200 users of a fake app containing spyware.
- An Italian spyware maker, SIO, is accused of creating the malicious app.
- The fake app was designed for iPhones and included government spyware.
WhatsApp recently identified and notified around 200 users, predominantly in Italy, who had unknowingly installed a malicious fake version of the chat application. This unofficial client, reportedly developed by the Italian spyware firm SIO, contained government spyware and was specifically designed for iPhones.
WhatsApp's security team proactively detected the issue and has since logged the affected users out. They have been informed about the privacy and security risks associated with unofficial applications and encouraged to switch to the legitimate WhatsApp app. The company also announced plans to issue a formal legal demand to SIO to cease such harmful activities.
This incident follows a similar revelation last year where SIO was implicated in creating malicious Android apps, including fake versions of WhatsApp. The spyware developed by SIO has been identified as Spyrtacus. These tactics, involving fake apps and phishing, are a known method used by authorities in Italy to conduct surveillance, often with the cooperation of mobile providers.
