Cyber security expert Alexey Kurochkin notes that the older WhatsApp messenger version will keep working for some time on smartphones running outdated operating systems. Users are advised to seek safe alternatives through official channels, and to avoid downloading from unknown sites. This guidance comes with a clear reminder: stick to official app stores when looking for a compatible version.
The expert explained that maintaining support for multiple generations of smartphone operating systems is a complex, resource-intensive task. He compares it to historical shifts in media formats, saying that just as audio tapes gave way to CDs, there were no online marketplaces to buy old tapes. The evolution is ongoing and represents progress, even if it means changes users must adapt to.
Kurochkin predicts that, in the near term, most users on older smartphones will continue to access WhatsApp, though updates may cease for those devices. He also warned that third-party developers could create a replacement product, potentially drawing users away from the official application.
However, the risk is real. If a third-party option is built by an unscrupulous developer, it could include spyware or other malicious code. This is a reminder to exercise caution and to avoid downloading apps from unfamiliar sources.
To minimize risk, the cybersecurity expert recommends avoiding unofficial WhatsApp clients altogether. For those seeking a legitimate alternative, it is advised to search and install the official version from recognized sources such as the Russian mobile application store RuStore or the widely used Google Play store. This approach helps ensure the integrity of the software and protects user data.
As a reminder, WhatsApp has announced the end of support for devices running Android 4.4 and older versions of Android. This means those devices will no longer receive official updates or security patches. Experts also caution Russians about the dangers associated with unofficial WhatsApp clients, which can expose users to payment data theft and other security breaches (attribution: Ministry of Digital Development).
In related news, the Ministry of Digital Development indicated that RuStore will no longer host VPN services that do not comply with Russian law, highlighting ongoing adjustments in the country’s app ecosystem (attribution: Ministry of Digital Development).