BAD CHAT

Millions using ‘fake’ versions of WhatsApp that could let hackers read ALL your texts

UNSUSPECTING WhatsApp users are being warned about 'fake' versions of the app that could leave them vulnerable to hackers.

Popular Twitter account WABetaInfo tweeted a warning about modified versions of WhatsApp.

WABetaInfo highlighted a post that reads: "Don't use any modded version of WhatsApp."

The message highlighted how modified or 'modded' versions of the app may seem tempting but they're not worth the risk.

This is because their creators could easily use man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, a form of cyber eavesdropping.

Hackers can edit software so they can intercept conversations and could read and edit your texts.

The warning also states that using a modified version of WhatsApp that's not been approved by the company could see you with a temporary account ban.

Sometimes people want to use modified versions of apps because they may have a few more features.

However, it's always better to use an official and regulated version where your data can be protected.

You can download the latest version of WhatsApp from the official App Store or Google Play Store.

If you really want to try new WhatsApp features before anyone else then you can always download the beta version.

How to get WhatsApp beta

To download WhatsApp beta for your smartphone you need to go to Google Play on your Android and search for WhatsApp.

Scroll down the page until you see "Become a Beta Tester".

Tap the "I'm In" button and then click "Join" to confirm.

Now all you have to do is wait for the update to the beta version of the app.

Downloading WhatsApp beta on iOS is a much trickier and riskier process so this is not recommended.

However, WhatsApp beta can be downloaded on a computer via the Google Play site.

Here's what you need to know...

WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum - former employees of Yahoo
It's one of the most popular messaging services in the world
Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like "what's up"
After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
As of February 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally

New WhatsApp features that could come out in 2020