Alert! TikTok Pro Malware that can steal your data being spread through WhatsApp; here is how to identify

Weeks after the government banned short video sharing platform TikTok in India, a new kind of fraud has come to light where fake apps are being spread on WhatsApp, claiming them to be the original app. TikTok Pro malware can steal information on your phone, warns the Maharashtra cyber cell.

This malware attacks those who are keen to get back on the app. These people are looking for alternate ways to download TikTok, leaving them vulnerable to malware. This new scam takes advantage of people whose favourite apps got removed after the recent ban on 59 Chinese apps in India, including TikTok, Shein, Club Factory, ShareIt, and many more.

What does the malware do?

According to the Maharashtra government, the malware app can ‘steal sensitive information from your phone'. The TikTok Pro malware app looks just like the original TikTok app. It asks for permissions for camera, image gallery, mic, among other things.

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The message being spread through WhatsApp and other social media plarforms reads as, “Enjoy TikTok videos and also make creative videos again. Now TikTok is only available in (Tiktok pro) So Download from below: Link.” 

What should you do?

The government advised citizens to not click on the link or download any APK files of the banned apps as they could be sources of malware. 

Apart from not clicking on unverified links or downloading APK files of banned apps, the cyber cell also advices users to just delete any message that reads like the one above, and not forward it to others.

Furthermore, they said that any link that begins with http:// is considered not secure for communication of private and sensitive information. Ensure that every link you click on begins with https://.

Meanwhile, there are several alternatives available including Chingari App, Mitron TV and Bolo Indya.