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WhatsApp-related cybercrime reports in several countries raise security concerns

Boitumelo Makhurane ·

WhatsApp-related cybercrime reports in several countries raise security concerns

HARARE, Oct 14 (NewsDay Live) — Reports of WhatsApp account hijacking, fraudulent SIM replacements and malware attacks in several countries have raised concerns about the security risks facing users of the messaging platform, prompting investigations and warnings from authorities and cybersecurity specialists.

Incidents reported in Zimbabwe, Malaysia and the Cayman Islands, alongside a separate malware campaign affecting users in 11 countries and territories, highlight how criminals are exploiting messaging services to impersonate users, solicit money and gain unauthorised access to computers.

There is no confirmed evidence linking the incidents to a single coordinated global attack, and the cases involve different methods of compromise.

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