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If you thought you were safe because you phone survived WhatsApp's recent support cull, we've got some bad news, a new WhatsApp bug is putting millions of users at risk.

How? Well, hackers have been caught sending legitimate-looking but virus-filled Word documents to unsuspecting users via the free messaging app.

Once opened, these files are installing viruses on users' smartphones, with the dodgy software able to siphon off your personal data.

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It's not just your name, number and contacts you need to worry about losing though.

The hack has been found to be capable of accessing users' bank account details and PIN numbers stored on their phones.

With this information, the hackers are able to steal users' money, all without every coming into contact with you or your card.

With the virus having also been disguised as Microsoft Excel and PDF files, you should be wary about what attachments you're trying to open within the Hangouts and Facebook Messenger rival.

So far, the vulnerability has only been abused in India, with the troublesome files bearing names associated with the NDA (National Defence Academy) and NIA (National Investigation Agency) in a bid to gain trust and lure in unsuspecting victims.

As well as using defence agencies as a disguise, it's been suggested that the hackers are singling out those working in the military and police force as targets for the attack.

"As these two organisations are very popular and known within the country and abroad and there is a curiosity about them, it is possible that it may affect the mobile phones of people interested in these subjects," officials told the Economic Times.

"However, it has been analysed that the men and women in defence, paramilitary and police forces could be the target groups."

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Not the first time hackers have used WhatsApp as a way of fleecing users out of money, last year a ploy circulated claiming to give users the chance to win a £100 Sainsburys voucher.

With the message looking to have come from a member of your contacts book, instead of pushing you through to a legitimate competition page, however, it was a fake account designed for phishing users' data.

Despite the recent issues, WhatsApp was recently praised by Amnesty International for being secure thanks to its addition of end-to-end encryption.

WhatsApp, however, has been a bit more open about the vulnerabilities users can face.

"We work diligently to reduce any spam messages that come through our system," the company said.

"Creating a safe space for users to communicate with one another is a priority. However, just like regular SMS or phone calls, it is possible for other WhatsApp users who have your phone number to contact you.

"Thus, we want to help you identify and handle these messages. Unwanted messages from unauthorised third parties come in many forms, such as spam, hoax and phishing messages.

"All these types of messages are broadly defined as unsolicited messages from unauthorised third parties that try to deceive you and prompt you to act in a certain way."

So, if you receive a WhatsApp attachment from someone you don't know, whatever you do, don't open it.