WhatsApp users are advised to take action following a recent security concern. The messaging app came under scrutiny due to a vulnerability that could allow hackers to access personal information by sending files directly to users’ devices. The flaw, initially identified by Google’s Project Zero team, is linked to the automatic download feature that saves media files instantly.

Reports suggest that cybercriminals have been creating fake group chats to trick users into joining. Once a user accepts the invitation, malicious files are downloaded without their knowledge.

The extent of the impact is unclear, but this poses a significant risk for the vast number of users who rely on the app daily.

In response to the issue, WhatsApp released a patch to mitigate further infections. However, the incident underscores the dangers of enabling automatic downloads on devices.

To safeguard against such threats, users are encouraged to make adjustments to their settings and ensure they are using the latest WhatsApp version. One recommended measure, as suggested by Malwarebytes, is to disable Automatic Downloads or activate WhatsApp’s Advanced Privacy Mode to prevent automatic media downloads.

To disable downloads, users can access the settings within WhatsApp, tap on the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, then navigate to Storage and data. Under Media auto-download, users can uncheck media types like Photos, Audio, Videos, and Documents for various network connections.

Furthermore, it is advisable to restrict who can add you to groups on WhatsApp to minimize risk. By adjusting privacy settings in the app, users can limit group invites to trusted contacts only, reducing the likelihood of falling victim to such attacks.

For users using WhatsApp for professional purposes, limiting group membership to known contacts and approved administrators is recommended to enhance security measures.