GBWhatsApp is a mod version of the original WhatsApp application. It, therefore, comes with certain significant risks over others. Among the biggest problems with that is security. A report presented in 2021 by CISA showed that about 30% of modified APK files-applications such as GBWhatsApp-contain malware compromising security in users' devices. This puts them at risks like breaches, theft of identities, and cyberattacks. According to the International Journal of Cyber Security, 2022, over 60% of users who downloaded applications from unofficial sources suffered from malware or phishing attacks.
Another risk is related to the violation of privacy. WhatsApp itself has an official policy regarding privacy and encryption on both ends, but that does not include independent versions like GBWhatsApp. Your messages, calls, and media are not as secure as they could be with an original version. In 2020 alone, a high-profile data exposure incident occurred when the personal conversations of a man using a modded WhatsApp version went up online. Again, this points out a huge risk: much higher vulnerability in terms of hacking with the use of unofficial apps.
The use of GBWhatsApp may come at an even greater price concerning the WhatsApp terms of service. In 2019, WhatsApp announced that users who used unofficial apps like its modded versions would be temporarily or permanently banned from the platform. While there may be users who do not immediately suffer such effects, there is still the possibility for account suspension; thus, loss of some important conversations or media could occur. According to a survey carried out by Statista in 2023, 22% of users who had used WhatsApp modified versions reported at least one account ban.
Last but not least, the risk is high when GBWhatsApp is downloaded from untrusted sources. Users may end up downloading outdated versions or infected ones of the app. Since the application does not receive any official support from WhatsApp, there can be no assurance that updates will be in time for patching security vulnerabilities. If it is not updated, then the app will be exposed to all the newly discovered exploits. Security experts, including Kaspersky experts, have signaled that unverified sources are a haven where malicious software breeds. For installation in a safer way with reduced risks of downloading a secure version, it is important to rely on trusted websites such as download gbwhatsapp.