Cyber thieves are trying a new tactic to gain access to WhatsApp accounts and it’s a threat that all users should be aware of. The Facebook-owned firm says it has discovered over 39,000 websites that are attempting to steal user details via convincing fake login pages.
And it’s not just WhatsApp that’s been caught up in the scam with thieves also trying to pinch Facebook, Messenger and Instagram account details as well. The new phishing attacks lure victims to websites that appear to be operated by a trusted entity
However, it’s all fake, and the site’s content is designed to persuade a victim to enter sensitive information, like a password or email address. Facebook is so concerned about this latest spate of data-stealing websites that it’s now filed a lawsuit in a bid to stop the cyber thieves in their tracks.
In a message posted on its blog, Facebook said: “Today, we filed a federal lawsuit in California court to disrupt phishing attacks designed to deceive people into sharing their login credentials on fake login pages for Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp. Phishing is a significant threat to millions of Internet users.
“This lawsuit is one more step in our ongoing efforts to protect people’s safety and privacy, send a clear message to those trying to abuse our platform, and increase accountability of those who abuse technology.”
If you get an email, text or WhatsApp message asking you to login into any of your Facebook-owned accounts via a website the advice is simple. Don’t enter any details unless you are 100 percent sure it’s come from an official source.
Facebook says that all emails about your account always come from fb.com, facebook.com or facebookmail.com. You can always visit www.facebook.com or open your Facebook app to check for important messages from the firm.
If you get a suspicious email or message claiming to be from Facebook, WhatsApp or Instagram then don’t click any links or attachments.
It’s also a good idea not to answer messages asking for your password, social security number, or credit card information
If you think you may have accidentally entered your username or password into a strange link, thensomeone else might be able to log in to your account.
Facebook offers this advice if you think your account is at risk:
• If you are able to log in to your account, learn how to secure your account by resetting your password and logging out of any devices you don’t own.
• If you can’t get into your account and your username or password don’t work, learn how to recover your account.
• If you want to see if anything strange has been happening to your account, learn how to review recent activity and check recent emails sent by Facebook.
www.express.co.uk
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