WhatsApp Warns of Hoax Cyberattack Targeting Jews, Urges Vigilance
WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform, has alerted users to a hoax cyberattack targeting Jews. The warning messages, which began circulating on multiple online platforms over the weekend, claim that hackers will attempt to trick WhatsApp users into downloading a file called Seismic Waves CARD that enables phone hacking within 10 seconds.
However, a representative from WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has confirmed that these messages are a hoax. Emily Westcott, a communications manager at WhatsApp, stated that similar hoaxes have circulated in the past and are false. The company had previously addressed the issue when similar messages spread during the September earthquake in Morocco.
The spread of this particular hoax capitalizes on fears regarding spyware on mobile phones, although instances of such attacks are rare. In 2019, Israeli cyber-intelligence firm NSO Group was implicated in creating spyware that exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp, infecting cell phones through the app’s voice calling function. The spyware allegedly targeted individuals such as journalists, attorneys, human rights activists, and diplomats. WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO, and reports suggest that NSO’s products played a role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The hoax messages warning about cyberattacks also highlight concerns with misinformation spread on social media platforms. X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, came under scrutiny for its relaxed approach to content moderation and misinformation under the leadership of Elon Musk. Musk himself engaged with posts spreading conspiracy theories before deleting them. The warnings about cyberattacks spread on X along with other social media platforms.
It is crucial for users to exercise vigilance and verify the credibility of information before sharing or downloading any files. Misleading and potentially harmful messages can circulate quickly on various platforms, thereby emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and responsible sharing of information.
