Because WhatsApp is among the most widely used Instant Messaging apps globally, hackers often attack it. Safeguarding your WhatsApp account, chat, and privacy depends on being aware of these attacks and ways to avoid them. Here are the four most popular hacking methods commonly used by cybercriminals in relation to WhatsApp. The following are the proactive measures you should take to Guard yourself against hackers on WhatsApp.
1. Malware Installation
Malware access to your WhatsApp messages does not necessitate hacking the app; hackers use it to compromise it. Malware can silently run on your device using methods like:
- Keyloggers: Messages and account credentials are also included when every key that is pressed is being recorded.
- Message Harvesting: Snooping through WhatsApp chats and forwarding them to cyber crooks.
- Screen Recording Hijacking: Recording video & screen capture of activities happening during chats.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Do not download apps or files from unfamiliar sources, and do not trust unfamiliar links.
- This should be done in conjunction with updating your phone’s operating system to avoid exploiting the gaps left by outdated systems.
- Ensure you follow this up by installing one of the most recommended antivirus software to deal with malware.
2. Call Forwarding Scams
In a post, hackers are capable of using call forwarding to work around the two-factor authentication (2FA) of the interface. Manipulating your phone and your behavior, scammers can make changes to the settings so that verification calls are redirected to their phone – not yours, giving them access to your account.
How to Protect Yourself:
- From the careless calls, one should avoid touching numbers with symbols such as * or # if someone asks you to call them.
- Operate the in-app 2FA in WhatsApp so users can improve security.
3. Social engineering for login code
Unscrupulous persons use social engineering to steal your 2FA login codes right from your mobile phone. For instance, they tell you the code received on your phone is for what you think does not have anything to do with the attack, such as a video call or a group.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always remember never to disclose any 2FA codes or login details to anyone, however charming they may seem.
- Be careful while responding to any requests made to you confirming the authenticity of such requests.
4. Fake WhatsApp Web QR Codes
It has recently been uncovered that hackers expose their targets to fake WhatsApp websites containing malicious QR codes. When users scan these codes, their accounts are hacked. Such scams are most successful when a fake website is well positioned on search engines’ result lists.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Only access WhatsApp Web through the official website: https://web.whatsapp.com.
- Before ever scanning any QR code, make sure to verify the URL once again.
- Utilize browser add-ons that would help to differentiate between the good and the bad websites.
How to Stay Safe From WhatsApp Hacking
1. Enable In-App Two-Factor Authentication:
The second factor of authentication increases the security of the application as one has to input a desired code known by hackers when using WhatsApp.
2. Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Instructions:
It does not hurt to look before leaping, and when something feels off, it should be treated with caution. These are common tactics that fraudsters use when they need to get something from their victims.
3. Install Antivirus Software:
Sanitize the phones with good antivirus to scan for malware threats that affect phone security.
4. Update WhatsApp Regularly:
Here, updating refers to having the most recent applications installed and also ensuring that you have the most recent safety updates.
5. Monitor Account Activity:
You can check for the linked devices when you check the history of your account for any unauthorized logins.
To ensure you never fall victim to the hacking of your WhatsApp account, follow these steps: Note that cybersecurity stems from increased awareness and good behavior.
