Dance of Hillary Virus Warning Goes Viral on Whatsapp but Experts Call It Fake
- Utshab Biswas
- 13 minutes ago
- 6 min read
What you need to Know
The "Dance of Hillary" virus message is going viral on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram in India.
The message claims the virus steals sensitive data using infected videos and .exe files.
Cybersecurity expert Sunny Nehra confirms that the message is a hoax with no technical validity.
This hoax is a resurfacing of old fake virus alerts that have circulated in the past.
Users should avoid downloading files from unknown sources and disable auto-downloads on messaging apps.
Being digitally aware and verifying information through trusted sources is crucial in today’s online world.
The age of digital has ushered in not only connectivity but also chaos in the guise of misinformation and cyber attacks. A case in point is the viral story recently doing the rounds in India about a so-called "Dance of Hillary" virus. Spreading fast on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram, the message asserts that a harmful virus is being propagated through infected videos and files. But what is the reality behind this so-called digital threat? Is it really a threat or simply another example of social media disinformation?
Let’s break it all down in detail.
What is the Dance of Hillary Virus?
Recently, a WhatsApp message went viral alerting Indian users of a new virus known as the Dance of Hillary. The message states that the virus can steal sensitive personal data, such as financial information, passwords, and even bank details. The warning states that it is spreading on social media and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Telegram.
The Message Claims:
The virus spreads via .exe files such as tasksche.exe.
Clicking on infected video links or downloading suspicious documents can activate the virus.
Indian intelligence agencies have issued alerts.
The virus can allegedly provide full access to your device data.
This message, though alarming, has sparked concern among users who fear losing access to their data or having their banking details stolen. But is there any truth to it?
Is the Dance of Hillary Virus Real or a Hoax?
Verdict: It’s a Hoax
Cybersecurity experts and fact-checkers have explained that the message about the Dance of Hillary virus is a fake and that it has emerged from past hoaxes that were going around years back. There is no reliable evidence of a virus called "Dance of Hillary" infecting devices in India or around the world.
In fact, Sunny Nehra, the creator of the popular cybersecurity company Secure Your Hacks, explained it on X (formerly Twitter).
“This message is a hoax. Smartphones cannot run .exe files, which are Windows-specific,” said Sunny Nehra.
Let’s explore why the claim doesn’t hold up.
Why the Dance of Hillary Virus is Technically Impossible on Smartphones
One of the central claims of the hoax is that .exe files like tasksche.exe are being used to spread the virus on smartphones. However, .exe files are executable files specifically designed for the Windows operating system, not for Android or iOS.
Here are the key reasons the claim is flawed:
1. Smartphones Can't Run .exe Files
Android and iOS devices are built on different architectures than Windows.
.exe files cannot be executed on smartphones unless you're using specialized emulators (which the average user does not).
2. Anti-virus Software Can Detect tasksche.exe
The file mentioned in the message, tasksche.exe, is a known entity in the cybersecurity world.
All major antivirus software, including built-in tools like Windows Defender, can easily identify and block this file.
3. No Official Cybersecurity Alert Has Been Issued
No confirmed warning from Indian intelligence agencies has been published.
Times Now and other media sources reporting on this topic are echoing the viral message without hard evidence.
This isn't the first time such hoaxes have spread panic. It follows a long line of similar fear-mongering messages that often go viral during times of heightened anxiety about cybersecurity.
A Brief History of Similar Internet Hoaxes
The current commotion surrounding the "Dance of Hillary" message is merely the latest of a long string of internet scams that have been trending for many years. Though it might feel new, it's really an old tactic returning in vogue. Consider, for instance, the now-legendary "Martinelli Video Virus," which pretended to hack your phone simply by viewing a video on WhatsApp totally false but nevertheless widely accepted. And then there was the alleged "Gold Digger Virus," which was said to break into bank accounts via Facebook links, another unsubstantiated alert that spread like a wild fire. And who could possibly forget the "Blue Whale Challenge"? While there was some basis, most of it was amplified by rumor and hype. These types of hoaxes work because they take advantage of fear, count on users' lack of technical savvy, and get spread around very quickly on social media. Above all, they speak to how infrequently individuals take the time to fact-check before hitting that forward button.
Why People Fall for Such Hoaxes
So why do the hoaxes continue to go viral like wildfire? One large reason is a general lack of knowledge many people just don't know how different operating systems and apps actually function, and so they are more susceptible to misinformation. And then there's the fear factor. With news about data breaches and internet scams occurring every other day, users would tend to trust anything that looks like a credible cyber threat in the first place. And let's not forget the virality power of social media. Websites such as Facebook and WhatsApp render it extremely convenient to forward a message with the click of one button, fueling false reports at lightning-fast speeds. And lastly, in most rural or semi-urban regions, there is a visible absence of digital literacy. Without even a basic understanding of digital hygiene or how to check sources, individuals are more likely to accept such messages at face value and forward them unknowingly becoming part of the problem.
How to Stay Safe Online
Even though the Dance of Hillary virus is fake, online threats are real. Phishing, malware, ransomware, and spyware are actual dangers in today’s digital ecosystem. Here’s how you can protect yourself:
1. Turn Off Auto Downloads
Disable automatic downloads on WhatsApp, Telegram, and other apps to avoid unintended downloads of harmful files.
2. Don’t Download from Unknown Sources
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown senders, especially .apk or .exe files.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Never reuse the same password for multiple platforms.
Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
Consider using a password manager to store complex passwords.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. Most apps like Google, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp now support 2FA.
5. Keep Software Updated
Always use the latest versions of apps and operating systems. Updates often include security patches.
6. Backup Your Data Regularly
Use cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud to back up your critical data.
7. Install Trusted Antivirus Software
Even mobile platforms like Android have antivirus apps like Bitdefender, Avast, or Norton Mobile. Keep them updated.
8. Never Share OTPs or Passwords
No genuine support service will ask for your OTP or login password. Sharing them could lead to account compromise.
What to Do If You Receive the Message
If someone forwards you the allegedly "Dance of Hillary" virus alert, don't get panicked don't worry, but act sensibly. In the first place, don't forward it. Forwarding hoax messages is feeding the vicious circle and makes stopping the hoax harder. Take the time instead to enlighten other people. Politely let the sender know it’s a fake alert, and if possible, share a credible source or link to debunk the claim. Most social platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook also offer the option to report such messages as spam or misinformation, which helps curb their spread.
The "Dance of Hillary" virus alert is but another addition to the long and growing list of internet hoaxes meant to generate fear and bewilderment. Although the actual message itself would not be malicious, the hazard actually comes with the dissemination of false information. In this high-tech, web-connected world of ours, the forwarded message is capable of touching thousands in matter of moments. That is why digital literacy coupled with a pinch of skepticism are more necessary today than ever before.
Before responding to any "emergency alert," stop and check it out through credible cybersecurity sources never base it alone on viral messages or social media forwards. Being aware and vigilant doesn't imply living in fear; it implies being intelligent about what you assume and spread.
Stay informed. Stay secure. And always keep in mind: Think before you click, and double-check before you share.