Online messenger applications (such as WeChat, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.) have become indispensable communication tools in our daily lives. However, these platforms may also be used maliciously to threaten the security and privacy of others. In addition to sending malicious links, the following are some common threats： ### 1. **Send malicious files** -**Viruses and malware**: By sending files containing viruses, trojan horses, or other malicious software (such as. exe,. zip, etc.), an attacker can control the victim's device, steal sensitive information or destroy the system. -**Phishing files**: Phishing files (such as PDFs, Word documents) disguised as legitimate files may induce victims to enter personal information or download more malicious software. ### 2. **Social engineering attacks** -**Impersonation of identity**: An attacker may impersonate the victim's friends, family members, or colleagues to gain trust and induce them to provide sensitive information or perform certain actions. -**Emotional manipulation**: Through emotional manipulation (such as threats, intimidation, or using compassion), the attacker may force the victim to compromise or disclose information. ### 3. **Send harassing messages** -**Continuous harassment**: By sending a large amount of spam, threatening remarks or inappropriate content, the attacker can psychologically harass the victim and cause mental stress. -**Cyberbullying**: Posting insulting, defamatory or threatening remarks in group chats or public channels, harming the victim's reputation and mental health. ### 4. **Privacy violation** -**Unauthorized screenshots or audio recordings**: An attacker may take screenshots or audio recordings without consent and use these content for threats, blackmail, or public humiliation. -**Disclosure of personal information**: By collecting and disclosing the victim's personal information (such as address, telephone number, photo, etc.), the attacker can threaten or harass them. ### 5. **Extortion and extortion** -**Threat to disclose private information**: An attacker may threaten to disclose the victim's private photos, videos, or chat records for blackmail. -**Financial blackmail**: Through threats or intimidation, an attacker may demand that the victim pay a ransom or conduct other financial transactions. ### 6. **Abuse of group function** -**Malicious group pulling**: An attacker may pull the victim into an unrelated group to harass or spread inappropriate content. -**Group bullying**: Organize collective bullying behavior against specific individuals in a group, causing psychological harm. ### 7. **Abuse of location sharing function** -**Tracking and monitoring**: Through the abuse of the location sharing function, an attacker can track the location of the victim in real time for monitoring or threats. ### 8. **Exploit application vulnerabilities** -**Exploit security vulnerabilities**: An attacker may exploit vulnerabilities in an application to obtain unauthorized access, steal information, or carry out other malicious activities. ### How to protect yourself? -**Click on links and download files carefully**: Do not easily click on links from unknown sources or download unknown files. -**Verify identity**: When receiving suspicious information, verify the identity of the other party through other channels. -**Protect privacy**: Avoid sharing sensitive information in chats and check your privacy settings regularly. -**Report and block**: When encountering threats or harassment, report and block the other party in time. -**Keep the software updated**: Ensure that applications and devices are always in the latest version to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited. Although online messenger applications are convenient, they also have potential risks. Being vigilant and taking appropriate protective measures can effectively reduce the possibility of being threatened. If you or someone you know is suffering from a cyber threat, please seek help in time and contact the relevant platform or law enforcement agency.