Kerala Police has issued a stark warning to the public: opening seemingly harmless images received via WhatsApp could allow hackers to hijack your phone. This alarming new cyber fraud technique uses steganography — a method that embeds malicious code within image files — to target unsuspecting users. Once an infected image is opened, the hidden malware is activated, potentially stealing sensitive data such as banking credentials, UPI details, OTPs, and passwords. In some cases, it can even give remote access of the phone to cybercriminals without the victim’s knowledge.
What makes this scam particularly dangerous is its silent nature. Unlike traditional frauds that involve suspicious links or fake OTP prompts, this method leaves no immediate trace or alert. Victims often remain unaware until their data is already compromised or their accounts drained.
To counter this threat, Kerala Police has advised users to disable automatic media downloads on WhatsApp, avoid downloading media from unknown contacts, and to always keep their phone’s software and antivirus protection updated.
The scam has been reported in multiple regions across India, suggesting a nationwide surge in such cyberattacks. If you suspect you’ve been targeted, it’s crucial to act fast—report any cyber frauds by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930.
This new wave of cybercrime highlights the evolving strategies hackers are using, making cybersecurity awareness more critical than ever.
