"WhatsApp Spy Mod" malware targets 340,000 Telegram users in October

A malware known as "WhatsApp Spy Mod" has been responsible for more than 340,000 attacks on Telegram users in the month of October. This malware primarily focuses on individuals who communicate in Arabic and Azeri languages, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

The malware gains access to devices through third-party WhatsApp mod applications, which are often used to access additional features like scheduled messages and customizable options.

However, these mod applications also contain a hidden spyware module that poses a serious threat to users' personal data. When installed, these modified WhatsApp applications enable the malware to operate in the background, collecting sensitive information from the infected device. This information includes the device's IMEI number, phone number, country and network codes, among other data.

Can transfer data every five minutes

One of the notable features of this malware is its ability to transfer data every five minutes. It can even record audio through the device's microphone and extract data from external storage.

The majority of attacks were reported in countries such as Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, and Egypt. However, the malware has also affected users in other regions, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

This situation underscores the importance of vigilance and caution when using third-party applications, as they can inadvertently expose users to malicious threats like the "WhatsApp Spy Mod" malware. Users are advised to rely on official app stores and exercise caution when considering additional features from unofficial sources.