A concerning scam targeting WhatsApp users has arisen, taking advantage of the platform’s recent screen-sharing feature introduced in 2023. This scam is based on social engineering rather than sophisticated malware, capitalizing on the trust users place in communication platforms and authority figures. Cases reported from multiple countries, including Hong Kong, highlight the severity, with one victim losing approximately HK$5.5 million. Attackers impersonate trusted entities to create urgency and manipulate users into sharing their screens or granting remote access, significantly compromising their personal and financial security.
The methods employed are alarming; attackers can directly observe sensitive information such as passwords, banking applications, and authentication codes in real time. Routine actions, like authorizing transactions, can be coerced under false pretenses, leading to considerable financial damage. The ability to hijack WhatsApp accounts further amplifies the impact of this scam, allowing criminals to access conversations and impersonate victims to ensnare others. Awareness and independent verification of alarming claims are critical defenses against such threats, emphasizing the ongoing need for vigilance and skepticism in safeguarding against social engineering attacks.
👉 Pročitaj original: Cyber Security News
