WhatsApp users should be careful to avoid a new scam that attempts to steal your bank account login details.

Hackers are targeting unsuspecting users with a mobile virus that is distributed via legitimate-looking Word documents sent inside WhatsApp.

Once opened, these documents are capable of siphoning sensitive information from users, including online banking credentials and other personal data.

The virus has also been disguised as a Microsoft Excel or PDF file, according to users.

So far, the technique has only been demonstrated in India, with the malicious files bearing the names of the NDA (National Defence Academy) and NIA (National Investigation Agency) to try and lure WhatsApp users into downloading and opening the virus-laced files.

According to a report by the Economic Times, central security services in India have issued a notification to the NDA and NIA, since it is believed the WhatsApp attacks are attempts to target people in uniform.

Officials told the publication, “As these two organisations are very popular and known within the country and abroad and there is a curiosity about them, it is possible that it may affect the mobile phones of people interested in these subjects.

“However, it has been analysed that the men and women in defence, paramilitary and police forces could be the target groups.”

The virus is purportedly able to access personal data stored on the smartphone, including banking credentials and PIN codes.

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Cyber Aware is a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme. They aim to measurably and significantly improve the online safety behaviour and confidence of consumers and small businesses (SMEs).

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