According to data reports gathered by Kaspersky Internet Security for Android users revealed that the largest share of detected malicious links between December 2020 and May 2021 was sent via WhatsApp (89.6%), followed by Telegram (5.6%).
Viber was in third place with a share of 4.7% and Hangouts had less than one percent. Globally, 480 detections were recorded per day.
The largest number of malicious links found in WhatsApp was partly due to the fact that it is the most popular messenger globally because it offers the easiest ways to share messages to a large number of people at once thus, it ensures quick propagation of malicious messages.
Telegram had the fewest detections but was similar in geography to WhatsApp. The highest number of malicious links were detected in Russia (56%), India (6%), and Turkey (4%).
On telegram, on the other hand, you’ll be added to scam groups without your permission, hence it is advisable you take privacy precautions to prevent people from adding you to groups without your permission.
How to Avoid Falling For Scams on WhatsApp and Telegram
- Be vigilant and look for misspellings or other irregularities in links.
- A ‘chain scheme’ is common practice, where a scammer asks a user to share the malicious link with his contacts which then looks legitimate to other users, as it is from a person they know. Be aware and don’t share any suspicious links with your contacts.
- Scammers often use WhatsApp and other messengers to communicate with users who were found on a legitimate resource (for example, various marketplaces and accommodation booking services) and also use them as a method of communication in malicious messages. Even if messages and websites look real, the hyperlinks, most likely, will have incorrect spelling, or they can redirect you to a different place.
- Even if a message or letter came from one of your best friends, remember that their accounts could also have been hacked. Remain cautious in any situation. Even if a message seems friendly, be wary of links and attachments.
- Install a trusted security solution and follow its recommendations. Security solutions will solve the majority of problems automatically and alert you if necessary.
