WhatsApp is an instant massaging application that allows smartphone users to exchange text, image, audio messages, video for free. With over two billion users, WhatsApp is unarguably one of the popular apps in the world.
WhatsApp hack is no longer new news, for it has been around for about a year now and it is also witnessing steady growth.
Many users have been a victim of this, because hackers employ range of crafty techniques to snoop on unsuspecting victims. But thankfully, there are several steps you can take to protect your whatsapp from this criminal.
📌 How The Hack Is Carried Out
So basically what happens is that, when you install WhatsApp, you receive a 6digit code via SMS to the number used to create the account. Upon entering that code your WhatsApp is activated.
How hackers use this method to their advantage is that they often times make use of already hacked account( WhatsApp or Facebook) to message the victim's friend, or in another case call the Victim.
The hacker pretending to be the victims friend, explain to the friend that they are having issues in receiving a six digit code, so they had to choose the option of sending the code to their friend. The code is actually the WhatsApp verification code for the friend's account. Once they tell the attacker the code, that account is compromised.
Although the hacker won't be able to restore old messages, but they will be able to access new messages and the victim's group chat.
📌Ways To Protect Your WhatsApp Account
1) Enabling two-step verification
Using two-step verification is a feature to add more security to your account.
With two-step verification enabled, any attempt to verify your phone number on whatsapp will be accompanied with a six digit PIN that you create using this feature.
That's to when ever someone want to hack your WhatsApp, whatsapp will ask them for the PIN. So since you're the only one with the PIN, ur account is secure.
Once you set up six digit PIN, WhatsApp will occasionally ask you for it to know if it's you. Remember, never share any 6-digit WhatsApp verification code with anyone no matter what they say or how convincing they sound.
To enable two-step verification, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
2) Use Face Lock
This method is majorly for those who use WhatsApp on an iPhone and those whose phone is running on android IOS 9 or newer. You can enable Touch ID or Face ID.
When Touch ID or Face ID is enables to unlock WhatsApp, you can still reply to messages from notifications and answer calls if your WhatsApp is locked.
To enable Touch ID or Face ID, open WhatsApp setting and Tap Account > Privacy > Screen Lock.
3) Turn off Cloud Backup
While backing your chats up to the cloud, although it can be helpful to restore your chats if you lose your phone, but these messages are not protected via end-to-end encryption.
That means Law enforcement could ask Google or Apple for access to your backed up chats.
To turn off cloud backup, open WhatsApp Setting > Chats > Chat Backup > Auto Backup, and toggle it off.
Lastly, if you have fallen for this hack attack, just reinstall whatsapp and request new activation code.
SHARE YOUR OPINION IN THE COMMENT BOX👇
0 Comments