An almost automated message that is sent via WhatsApp has caused many users of the messaging platform to download a malicious app. Under the promise that it is possible that you will win one of the products that Mercadolibre is giving away for its anniversary, the message manages to hook users of the messaging app to enter the link.
This type of message is not new, in January of this year a very similar one circulated, but where the gift of Adidas brand tennis shoes was promised and in April a supposed pink WhatsApp update emerged.
On the subject, MercadoLibre has already made a statement and has specified that his company is not carrying out this dynamic. Through a couple of tweets posted by brand influencers, such as Christian Cibelli, the company calls on users not to click on the link in the message.
According to an analysis carried out by the ESET Research Laboratory, in the event that the user accesses the link in the message, which has nothing to do with the legitimate site of the companies, users can provide sensitive data from their account. WhatsApp, such as photo and name, however, if you download a file, it could infect your computer with a Trojan that will generate spam-like advertising.
“From ESET we recommend ignoring these types of messages, even if they come from trusted contacts, since as observed in the analysis of the campaign, it is very likely that the sender has been the victim of a deception. The best option is to eliminate these types of messages without interacting with them in order to break the distribution chain. In addition, it is important to have the systems updated, to have a security solution installed on the devices, and to be aware of the latest threats ”, adds ESET.
In the event that the user has downloaded an application, what is suggested is that they download an antivirus to clean the device so that spam or other malware does not reach the devices.
