TL;DR
Yes, it is possible for WhatsApp files to contain viruses. WhatsApp allows sharing of many types of files, including documents, images, videos, and more. These files could potentially contain malicious code or viruses. The main ways viruses can spread via WhatsApp are:
- Opening infected file attachments
- Clicking on malicious links sent via WhatsApp
- Installing apps from untrusted sources promoted on WhatsApp
To stay safe, users should only open files and click links from trusted sources, have antivirus software installed, and avoid installing apps outside the official app stores. Overall, exercising caution and good cyber hygiene practices can help minimize the risk.
What types of files can be shared on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp allows sharing of a wide variety of file types and formats, including:
- Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WEBP
- Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV
- Documents: PDF, DOCX/DOC, XLSX/XLS, PPTX/PPT
- Audio: MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC
- Archives: ZIP, RAR
- APK files for Android apps
Essentially any file type can be shared as an attachment in WhatsApp. There is a general file size limit of 100MB per file when sharing on WhatsApp.
Image and video files
Image and video files like JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV are commonly shared on WhatsApp. These types of media files are less likely to contain malware. However, it is possible for hackers to craft malicious image/video files that could exploit vulnerabilities in media parsing software.
Document and archive files
Document files like DOCX, XLSX, PDF and archives like ZIP, RAR are also frequently shared on WhatsApp. These types of files pose a higher risk since they can contain macros, scripts and other executable code that could harbor malware. Opening an infected DOC file on your device could trigger the malware and lead to infection.
APK files
WhatsApp users on Android can share APK files to distribute apps. Downloading apps from untrusted sources increases risk of malware. It’s best to only install apps from the official Google Play Store.
How can viruses spread through WhatsApp?
There are a few common ways malicious actors leverage WhatsApp to spread viruses and malware:
Infected file attachments
This is the most common method. A user receives and opens an infected file shared via WhatsApp like a malicious PDF or APK file. Opening the file triggers the malware, which can now infect the device.
Malicious links
Links to malicious sites can also be shared on WhatsApp through messages or the user’s WhatsApp status. Clicking such links on your device could download viruses and other malware.
App installs from untrusted sources
Some messages on WhatsApp encourage users to install apps from outside the app store. Downloading these apps bypasses safety checks and increases risk of malicious code.
Social engineering
Hackers can also use social engineering tactics on WhatsApp to trick users into installing malware. This includes sending messages from a known contact that urges the user to open a file attachment or link.
Real-world examples of WhatsApp malware
Here are some instances of malware spreading via WhatsApp that attackers have actually used in the wild:
Yoroi Spyware (2019)
This Android spyware spread via WhatsApp messages containing infected PDF files. Once downloaded, it gained access to messages, contacts, and device info which was sent to a remote server. It targeted human rights activists and journalists.
Agent Smith (2019)
Over 25 million Android devices were affected by this malware which masqueraded as normal apps. It exploited known Android vulnerabilities to infect devices and replaced legitimate installed apps with infected versions via WhatsApp.
Domestic Kitten (2020)
This targeted Iranian users by sending infected APK files through WhatsApp. Once installed, it stole data including messages, contacts, and device location info.
FlyTrap (2022)
Active attacks distributed this Android malware by sending a video file through WhatsApp that installs the malware when opened. It is capable of downloading additional payloads for data theft and surveillance.
Who is at risk of getting infected by WhatsApp malware?
Some users are at higher risk of being victims of WhatsApp malware based on their digital habits:
- Users who frequently open files sent by random or unknown contacts
- Users who click on links in messages from random or unverified senders
- Users who have outdated OS and software lacking latest security patches
- Users who install apps from outside official app stores
- Activists, journalists, government workers who are often targets of cyber espionage
With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is often used to distribute malware to unsuspecting users. Those exercising caution and following best practices around app installs and file sharing can minimize their risk.
How to stay safe from WhatsApp viruses?
Here are some tips to stay protected from malware spread through WhatsApp:
Be cautious of unsolicited files and links
Avoid opening unexpected attachments or clicking links from unknown senders or suspicious messages. Verify legitimacy before interacting.
Install antivirus software
Use a reputable antivirus app to scan for malware across your device and on specific files/links received via WhatsApp.
Update your device OS and apps
Keep your operating system, WhatsApp, and other apps updated to benefit from the latest security enhancements.
Only install apps from official app stores
For Android, only install apps from the Google Play Store. Avoid downloading APKs from outside sources, especially those promoted via WhatsApp.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account and makes it harder for hackers to access your account.
Backup your chats
Regularly backup your WhatsApp chats so you have access to your conversations in case your account is compromised.
Avoid Jailbreaking/Rooting your device
Jailbroken or rooted devices are more prone to malware infections. Avoid it unless absolutely required.
Should WhatsApp do more to protect users from malware?
WhatsApp has made efforts to curb spam and abuse on its platform, including:
- Banning accounts engaging in bulk messaging/automated behavior
- Using machine learning to detect abusive accounts
- Limiting Virality of highly forwarded messages
However, some security experts argue WhatsApp should implement additional measures, such as:
- Scanning files/links for malware identification
- Warning users about suspicious files from unknown contacts
- Providing official channels to download apps recommended on WhatsApp to prevent untrusted installs
- Further limiting virality of unverified links/files
Implementing such features while preserving user privacy is challenging. Overall, WhatsApp does have a role to play in enhancing safety, but users also need to exercise caution given the platform’s encryption limits malware detection.
The broader risks of social media malware
Beyond WhatsApp, malware is an issue on social media and messaging platforms:
- In 2022, 25 million Facebook users installed browser extensions that stole account access.
- Social media scams lead to over $117 million in losses in 2022 in the U.S.
- Social platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram have also spread malware via third-party links and apps.
As social media usage grows globally, users need to stay vigilant of malware risks by applying best practices around security and privacy on all platforms.
Expert recommendations for avoiding WhatsApp malware
Here are some expert tips from cybersecurity leaders on staying safe from WhatsApp malware:
Bruce Schneier, Security Expert
“Turn off automatic media download and only interact with trusted contacts. WhatsApp cannot decrypt messages but can still do more to detect and limit malware spread.”
Tomas Foltyn, ESET Security Researcher
“Always verify unknown senders before opening files or taps links, even if they pretend to be someone you know. Criminals use social engineering to spread malware.”
Ashkan Soltani, Former FTC Technologist
“WhatsApp’s E2E encryption prevents them from detecting malware in messages. While this provides privacy, it places the burden of security on users.”
Caitlin Condon, Director of Security Engineering at Brave
“Enable WhatsApp two-factor authentication via its registration mechanism. This provides an important additional layer of account security beyond just your password or PIN.”
Lukas Stefanko, Malware Analyst at ESET
“Android users should turn on Play Protect and scan apps installed from outside Play Store. WhatsApp mod or clone apps often contain malware and are unsafe.”
The future of fighting WhatsApp malware
As WhatsApp works to enable secure communications for its 2+ billion users, balancing privacy and safety will continue to pose challenges. Potential areas of improvement include:
- Partnerships with cybersecurity firms to identify threats without compromising encryption
- Increased use of AI to detect malicious patterns and behaviors
- Working with app stores and device makers to quickly patch vulnerabilities
- Education initiatives to improve user awareness and cyber hygiene practices
Cybercriminals will continue evolving their techniques to spread malware via popular platforms like WhatsApp. While there are limitations in detecting viruses within E2E encrypted content, continued cooperation between security researchers, WhatsApp, OS providers, and users themselves can help strengthen overall safety. Going forward, enhancing cyber threat intelligence sharing and research will remain crucial to counter emerging social media malware risks.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s wide reach and encrypted nature makes it an attractive vector for cybercriminals to spread malware. While its end-to-end encryption limits some security capabilities, WhatsApp does have room to implement additional protective measures. However, users remain the first line of defense. By being cautious about clicking links and opening files from dubious sources, having security solutions in place, app updates enabled, and avoiding unsafe practices like installing outside app stores, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of infection from WhatsApp-borne malware. Going forward, education and awareness can play a key role in keeping WhatsApp’s billions of users secure worldwide.