WhatsApp has more than 3 billion active users and 150 billion messages every day, making it a prime target for hackers looking to extort or steal your data. Advanced technical skills are no longer required. Clicking on a suspicious link or opening a strange attachment is often enough for a hacker to start taking control of your account.
Signs warn immediately
Messages are sent from your account without your knowledge.
You will receive a verification code without requesting it.
A notification will appear indicating that your number has been registered to your new device.
Messages are marked as read even if they are not opened.
A friend is receiving strange messages from your number.
Your phone may overheat or the battery may drain quickly.
How can I detect strange devices?
Open WhatsApp Settings > Linked Devices to see which browsers or devices you signed in to without your permission. Are there any unknown devices? This is conclusive evidence of hacking.
Emergency protection procedures
Enable two-factor authentication.
Reinstall the application and scan the phone with an antivirus program.
Ignore suspicious links and attachments, even if they come from friends.
Link your account to your email for a quick reset.
Lock apps with your fingerprint or face and use strong passwords.
Please check your privacy settings regularly.
Recover lost messages and files
Android: Back up via Google Drive.
iPhone: Back up via iCloud.
This is your last line of defense if you lose access to your account.
With over 3 billion active users and 150 billion messages sent daily, WhatsApp is a prime target for hackers looking to extort and steal data. Advanced technical skills are no longer required. Clicking on a suspicious link or opening a strange attachment is often enough for a hacker to take over your account.
Immediate warning signs
Messages are sent from your account without your knowledge.
Receive a verification code without asking.
A notification will appear indicating that your number has been registered to your new device.
Messages are marked as read even if they are not opened.
Friends receive strange messages from your number.
Your phone may overheat or the battery may drain quickly.
How do I detect unknown devices?
Open (WhatsApp Settings) > (Linked Devices) and check if any browsers or devices have logged in without your permission. Are there any unknown devices? This is conclusive evidence of hacking.
Emergency protection procedures
Enable two-step verification.
Reinstall the app and scan your phone with antivirus software.
Ignore suspicious links and attachments, even if they come from friends.
You can easily reset your account by linking it to your email.
Lock apps with your fingerprint or facial recognition and use strong passwords.
Please check your privacy settings regularly.
