Many WhatsApp users explore unofficial versions of the messaging app, like “WhatsApp Gold” and “WhatsApp Plus,” seeking extra features and modifications that the official version doesn’t provide. These users often believe that these altered versions come with unique benefits that the official app lacks.
The Appeal of “WhatsApp Gold“
“WhatsApp Gold” stands out as one of the most popular modified versions for Android, boasting a variety of features that the official app does not offer. Some of these features include:
Complete interface customization, enabling users to alter colors and font styles
The ability to hide “Last Seen” and “Online” status, along with viewing statuses without alerting the sender.
Support for running two accounts on a single device, which is not an option in the official version.
Comparison Between the Versions
While modified versions offer extensive customization, the official WhatsApp app provides several features that excel in terms of performance and security:
File sharing: The official app allows users to send files up to 2 GB, while “WhatsApp Gold” limits this to a maximum of 700 MB.
Photo sharing: Users of the official version can send up to 100 images at once, whereas the modified version restricts this to 90 images.
Privacy: The official app includes options to hide “Last Seen” and view statuses without notification, as well as a Chat Lock feature that secures individual chats with a passcode.
Modified Versions Come with Significant Risks
While modified versions offer customization options, their lack of official oversight and development poses serious security threats. These threats include:
Malware: Certain modified versions may harbor harmful code that can compromise Android devices.
Data leaks: Weak security measures can result in the exposure of sensitive personal information.
Account bans: Utilizing these modified versions breaches the terms of service, risking account suspension
Recent Security Alerts
In August 2023, Kaspersky, a cybersecurity firm, issued warnings about the rampant spread of unofficial and modified WhatsApp versions, such as “WhatsApp Gold” and “WhatsApp Diamond.” These versions gained popularity in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Reports have indicated that some of these apps contain malicious code intended for espionage.
Kaspersky noted that these modified applications were downloaded around 340,000 times from August to October 2024, highlighting a concerning surge in their usage despite the associated dangers.
Data and Privacy Security in the Official Version
The official WhatsApp app is recognized for its robust security measures concerning user data and privacy, particularly following the rollout of the Device Verification feature in April 2023. This feature offers three layers of protection:
A dynamic security code that automatically changes when accessing old messages
A random, renewable number that updates with each connection between the device and WhatsApp servers.
Verification challenges to confirm that the legitimate user is attempting to access the account
Conclusion
The official WhatsApp app remains the most secure and reliable choice for users, offering advanced security features and privacy protection along with continuous updates from the developers. In contrast, modified versions like “WhatsApp Gold” may seem appealing with their customization options, but they carry significant risks that can endanger both device security and user data. For a safer
