FM whatsapp is the alternated version of same original WhatsApp that provides more features to customize old boring and dull themes but at a time security threats also very high. The major problem for FM WhatsApp is its illegal nature. It is not been listed on any of the famous app stores like Google Play or Apple App store so basically users have to download it from other third party websites which results in installing malware also. Some 30% of users who install apps from third-party sources are exposed to security threats such as viruses or spyware, according to the cybersecurity company Kaspersky.
So, being customization king is one of the main features FM WhatsApp Themes, Fonts & UI elements can be changed and some features like Hide online status / Blue ticks are also provided. While these improvements are invaluable, they add a significant attack surface. While the official WhatsApp is constantly maintained and updated for security, FM does not receive such maintenance. This outdated software falls prey to a litany of exploits due to it not being updated regularly.
When using official WhatsApp, messages are encrypted end-to-end which makes sure only the sender and recipient can read it. FM WhatsApp reportedly keep this encryption but certainly there is no way to verify it independently. This opens the door where if encryption is abused, it could lead to user data being exposed. Third-party apps like FM WhatsApp are 50% more likely to be the cause of data breach and this can only get worse because no encryption routes come pre-verified -Richierich. (Norton,2023)
Also, users of FM WhatsApp risk having their accounts banned by Whatsapp. It’s against the app’s official terms of service to use modified versions, and WhatsApp will ban accounts found using them. Users report the bans can be temporary or in some cases permanent (profoundly impacting communication). WhatsApp had banned more than 2 million accounts worldwide for using unofficial versions like FM WhatsApp during a sledgehammer in 2021.
In the language of Elon Musk: Users can benefit a lot from FM WhatsApp and locked it bugs always did but With great power comes great responsibility so if you are one to consider using this app, then just do that responsibly. Despite being full of amazing features this app lags because users have to trade these for security and legal risks.
Moreover, it brings issues even for FM WhatsApp because its officially unaccepted. WhatsApp does not offer customer service for issues users are having with the app. They also provide no support for data recovery or general account management, making users more susceptible to various technical issues and being banned from their accounts.
Also you need to think in monetary terms. Both FM WhatsApp and security breaches can come with a price, only one is free to use in the first place, but whether that’s worth it might not be possible yet. In 2020, the Identity Theft Resource Center reported that identity theft cost an average of about $1,343 per person. Since downloading FM WhatsApp is a financial risk to users, they must ask themselves if their added features are worth incurrence.
For those that will still like to venture into FM WhatsApp despite the above cons, you can get every detail and download links from Fm Whatsapp Yet users are warned to carefully consider if the benefits outweigh major security and regulation threats.
Thus, in short, while FMWhatsApp brings some awesome features and customisation options to the table but it also comes with substantial security vulnerabilities along-with a risk of losing your account plus no official support available which makes this option being opted out by most users.