New encryption laws mean the end to private messaging

New encryption laws mean the end to private messaging

Thousands of Australian WhatsApp users are being bombarded with a message that warns their phones could be compromised by a devastating virus in the next 24 hours.

The worrying warning, which is spreading like wildfire through the messaging service today, alerts users to a forthcoming virus-laden video link called “Martinelli”.

However, users needn’t be concerned, because security experts say the message is a chain letter and the “Martinelli” threat is a hoax. In short, there’s no risk and no need to pass the message on.

However, the message has been linked to the “WhatsApp Gold” scam, which purports to offer a special, hidden version of the messaging service with extra features.

The scam encourages users to click on a dangerous link via the app to “update” to the alleged premium service.

Once they’ve clicked the link, they are then taken to a website riddled with malware, which can break into your phone, and steal your messages and other private data.

And, according to the message doing the rounds this morning, the “Martinelli” link would do the same.

“If you know anyone using WhatsApp you might pass on this,” the viral warning being sent to Aussie WhatsApp users this morning reads.

“An IT colleague has advised that a video comes out tomorrow from WhatsApp called martinelli do not open it, it hacks your phone and nothing will fix it. Spread the word.”

However, the “Martinelli video” does not exist and appears to be a front for the real scam — WhatsApp Gold.

The message adds: “If you receive a message to update the WhatsApp to WhatsApp Gold, do not click !!!!!

“Now said on the news this virus is difficult and severe. Pass it on to all.”

News.com.au has contacted WhatsApp for comment on the warning and the “Martinelli” threat, but the company has yet to respond.

While any links to a premium WhatsApp service is a real scam, security experts have advised users not to forward the viral warning — which is being sent to thousands of us this morning — as it is understood the specific Martinelli threat is a hoax.

Cybersecurity firm Sophos has described the message as “half rubbish” and calls the video a “fictional threat”.

Fact-checking website, Snopes states the sinister video doesn’t actually exist — but has been part of a hoax chain message, which began several years ago.

“Given that there apparently isn’t any ‘Martinelli’ video, WhatsApp users are safe from it,” Sophos wrote in a post.

“All they have to do is inform senders that they’ve been taken in by a chain letter, tell them to please stop forwarding it, and of course, refrain from forwarding it themselves.”

However, the WhatsApp Gold scam is still a threat and users should be wary of any suspicious messages promising a premium service.

“There is nothing new about WhatsApp Gold,” Sophos wrote.

“Staying safe online means keeping out all the malware that’s out there, not just one or two rogue applications you hear about via friends’ WhatsApp messages.”

They also issued the following advice:

● Apply security updates promptly

● Get your apps from the App Store or Google Play

● Use security software such as Sophos Mobile Security for iOS or Android.