A NEW WHATSAPP SCAM HAS EMERGED, WHERE CYBERCRIMINALS EMBED MALICIOUS CODE WITHIN IMAGE FILES—A TECHNIQUE KNOWN AS STEGANOGRAPHY. (PHOTO).

 A new WhatsApp scam has emerged, where cybercriminals embed malicious code within image files—a technique known as steganography. 

In a recent incident in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, a man lost approximately ₹2 lakh after downloading an image sent via WhatsApp from an unknown number. Upon opening the image, malware was installed on his device, compromising sensitive banking information and leading to unauthorized transactions.  

Steganography allows attackers to hide malicious code within the least significant bits of image files, making the malware difficult to detect. Once the victim opens the infected image, the malware can access personal data, including banking credentials and passwords, and may even allow remote control of the device. Scammers often follow up with calls to pressure victims into opening these harmful files.

To safeguard against such threats, users are advised to avoid downloading images, videos, or links from unknown contacts on WhatsApp. Disabling the auto-download feature in WhatsApp settings can prevent automatic saving of media files. It’s also recommended to refrain from opening large or suspicious files from unfamiliar sources and to block and report suspicious contacts. Educating oneself and others about these scams can further enhance security.