Overview
- Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency urged users to avoid clicking congratulatory links or gift offers that are circulating as New Year messages.
- The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau said such links can silently install malicious APKs that capture OTPs, banking data, contacts, photos, and WhatsApp access.
- Authorities noted that links often spread through family and trusted contacts, increasing the likelihood that victims treat them as genuine.
- Users who lose access to WhatsApp are advised to reinstall the app and re‑register via the six‑digit SMS code, which logs out any unauthorized session; a seven‑day wait may apply if attackers enabled two‑step verification.
- Guidance includes not sharing verification codes, installing apps only from official stores, enabling two‑step verification, disconnecting internet and uninstalling suspicious apps if clicked, and alerting banks and cybercrime units promptly.