Hackers are now using WhatsApp image forwards to steal money from bank accounts. Here is how to stay safe

Hey, readers? We’ve always known that hackers are getting smarter. But what if we told you that the harmless-looking WhatsApp image forwards from friends, family, or random groups might be a hacker’s golden ticket to your bank account? Yes, that’s the scary truth. In 2025, hackers have stepped up their game. They are now hiding malicious software inside simple-looking images shared over WhatsApp. One tap to open such a file—and before you know it, your bank details, passwords, and UPI PINs are quietly being stolen in the background. Let’s unveil this new hacking method used by criminal masterminds.

The Evolution of Digital Fraud: It’s Not Just Links Anymore

In the past, we were warned against suspicious links and attachments in emails. Most of us learned the lesson. We stopped clicking unfamiliar links, avoided downloading attachments from strangers, and even used antivirus software on our phones. But hackers have evolved. They realized people are now smart enough to avoid clicking random links. So they found a sneakier way: embedding malicious code inside images. These images don’t look suspicious. They may be a meme, a festival greeting, or a pretty landscape. But inside them, dangerous code is waiting to wake up the moment you tap. That’s how digital fraud is going on.

The Role of Steganography: Hiding Malware in Plain Sight

Well, before we get straightforward, let’s understand the unique hacking method – Steganography. Steganography is basically the ancient art of hiding messages inside other things. Imagine you’re passing a secret note in class by folding it inside a sheet of homework—same idea. The teacher sees the homework and doesn’t suspect a thing, but your friend gets the secret note hidden inside. In the digital world, hackers use steganography to hide viruses inside images. So, while your phone just sees a .jpg file, the hacker sees an opportunity to plant a dangerous tool inside your device. These aren’t just ordinary viruses either—they’re custom-built scripts designed to quietly monitor your activities, grab your banking credentials, or send your personal data back to the hacker.

How This Works – A Basic Stepwise Explanation

Let’s go step-by-step through what’s happening behind the scenes:

Step 1: A Hacker Creates a “Dirty” Image: They take a nice-looking picture and use a tool to embed harmful code inside it using steganography.
Step 2: The image is sent on WhatsApp, and it’s forwarded around like any other viral image. You might get it from a friend, your cousin, or your favourite group.
Step 3: You Tap It: You open the image like always. But as you do, the hidden code activates quietly in the background.
Step 4: Your Data Is Compromised: The code might access your messages, banking apps, passwords, camera, or even start screen recording without your knowledge.
Step 5: Money Starts Disappearing: The hacker uses your own apps, OTPs, or UPI credentials to drain your account, all while you’re scrolling Instagram.

Why Is This So Dangerous?

Unlike phishing links or fake apps, this trick plays on your trust in images. We never think twice before opening a forwarded Diwali greeting or a trending meme. More importantly, many antivirus tools are still catching up. Some don’t yet scan image files for hidden code, especially if the malware isn’t immediately activated.

What Kind of Malware Is Being Used?

Common types of malware hidden in these image-based attacks include:

Keyloggers: Record what you type (like UPI PINs)
Trojan Horses: Give remote access to the hacker
Spyware: Steals photos, contacts, and call logs
RATs (Remote Access Trojans): Let attackers control your phone in real-time
Banking Trojans: Specifically target financial apps and steal login data

What Makes WhatsApp a Target?

Mass Usage: Over 2 billion users worldwide make WhatsApp a goldmine.
Trust: People trust messages from contacts more than emails from strangers.
Auto-download Feature: By default, WhatsApp downloads media automatically. This is often exploited.
Lack of App Scanning: WhatsApp doesn’t scan image contents for embedded code.

How to Stay Safe – Practical Tips You Can Follow Today

1. Turn Off Auto-Download in WhatsApp

Go to: Settings > Storage and data > Media auto-download. Disable auto-download for photos, videos, and documents. This way, you’ll choose what to download.

2. Never Open Suspicious Images

Even if an image is from a friend or family member, be cautious. If it comes with vague or unusual captions like “forward this to 10 people” or just an emoji, don’t open it.

3. Use Trusted Antivirus or Anti-Malware Apps

Install a reliable mobile security app that can scan image files and media content. Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and Norton have good Android versions.

4. Update Your Phone and WhatsApp Regularly

Security patches in updates often fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit. Enable auto-updates.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Set it up on your banking apps, email, and UPI. One extra step can save your life (or at least your savings).

6. Check App Permissions

Go to Settings → Apps → Permissions. Revoke access to SMS, camera, and storage for apps that don’t need them.

7. Talk About This

Share this with your family. Your mom, your uncle, your little cousin who just got a phone. Awareness is the best protection.

What If You Already Clicked One of These Images?

Don’t freak out—take action immediately:
Disconnect Wi-Fi or Mobile Data
Delete suspicious apps
Run a virus scan
Change your banking and UPI passwords
Contact your bank to freeze activity temporarily
Report the incident to cybercrime.gov.in
And if your phone behaves strangely (battery draining, overheating, apps opening by themselves), consider backing up your files and doing a factory reset.

Conclusion

We’ve all grown used to the internet being fun, fast, and full of friendly forwards. But the digital world has changed. Today, that one tap could cost you everything. That doesn’t mean we stop using technology. It means we use it more carefully. From now on, treat every forwarded image, especially from unknown or rarely contacted people, as a potential risk. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to ignore a forwarded Diwali gif if it means protecting your bank account.

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