WhatsApp will stop working on devices running Android 4.4 and older versions of the operating system starting October 24, 2023. Some people may try to get around this restriction by installing unofficial versions of messenger, but this approach is not safe. Pavel Kuznetsov, product director at Garda, a company specializing in information security, warns that the use of modified WhatsApp* clients can pose a threat to personal data and payment information.
Unofficial WhatsApp* clients are distributed through sources that are not responsible for the security of such applications. This can make them susceptible to malware that can steal payment data and use it for criminal purposes. Kuznetsov recommends avoiding using unofficial apps and updating your device if possible.
If it’s not possible to update your smartphone, Kuznetsov offers two options. The first is to use mobile antivirus for additional protection. The second is to maintain digital hygiene and use official versions of applications, including WhatsApp*. There is also a browser version of WhatsApp, which can be a safer alternative to unofficial clients for those who cannot update their devices.
*Belongs to Meta, who is recognized as an extremist and banned in the Russian Federation
Source: Ferra
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