WhatsApp is no doubt a globally accepted means of communication, adopted by private individuals and business organisations as their means of exchanging conversations, initiating and completing business transactions as the messaging app has integrated features that include business solutions to the platform.
For the course, some unscrupulous individuals have been deploying attempts to hijack both private and business WhatsApp accounts, aiming at using the accounts for illicit acts including financial scam and other related illegitimate purposes.
While WhatsApp has put some phenomenon in places to recover accounts that are lost to such fraudsters, it is better to have deep understanding of tips to prevent the hackers from hijacking your WhatsApp Accounts rather than finding means to restore an hijacked WhatsApp accounts..
Below are some of the means used by hackers to hijack your WhatsApp accounts for their illicit targets.
Methods Hackers Use
1. Phishing: Hackers send fake messages or emails that appear to be from WhatsApp, asking users to disclose sensitive information like verification codes. This may include fake messages sent to you on the same WhatsApp with different claims of being invited to an online Zoom meeting, or other online meeting that requires a unique code for setting up your login.
At this point, the hackers have commenced activities to hijack your WhatsApp account, and they are at the final stage of taking over your account. All that is needed by them to get through is the code that will be sent to your registered WhatsApp number through SMS. If you mistakenly supply the code to the hackers you have simply empowered them to hijack your account.
Phishing may also include a situation where hackers send you a website address and ask you to follow the link in order to complete a task or earn a benefit but with ulterior motive of stealing your WhatsApp data.
2. SIM Swap: Hackers trick mobile operators into transferring the victim's phone number to a new SIM card, allowing them to receive verification codes, and take over your WhatsApp account with little to no power over the account and its recovery.
3. Malware: Hackers use malware to gain access to a device where WhatsApp is installed and intercept WhatsApp messages or steal sensitive information sent over the WhatsApp. The malware is contained in some software installed unaware in your device when installing some software from untrusted sources.
Painstakingly, the majority of Whatsapp users who use unofficial WhatsApp apps have higher tendency of getting their WhatsApp accounts hijacked by the developers of the unofficial WhatsApp app.
4. Public Wi-Fi: Hackers exploit public Wi-Fi networks to intercept WhatsApp traffic and steal sensitive information when you connect to use public Wi-Fi that is provided by fraudulent individual.
Precautionary Measures
While there is no one-sure mean of stopping hackers from hijacking your WhatsApp account, combinations of these precautionary measures can guaranty tye safety of your WhatsApp account from the hackers.
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account by enabling 2FA, which requires a PIN or password in addition to the verification code.
2. Use Strong Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords for your WhatsApp account and other online services. Also, it is a good practice to avoid using the same password for WhatsApp, and other untrusted websites.
3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive WhatsApp conversations or transactions. Also, it will be a good practice to desist from sing WhatsApp when connected to public Wi-Fi.
4. Keep Your Device and WhatsApp Updated: Regularly update your device's operating system and WhatsApp application to ensure you have the latest security patches.
5. Monitor Your Account Activity: Regularly check your WhatsApp account activity, such as login history, to detect any suspicious activity.
6. Be Wary of Suspicious Messages: Be cautious when receiving suspicious messages or emails that ask for sensitive information, and never share your verification codes with anyone.
Again, while there is no any one-sure mean of preventing hackers from hijacking your WhatsApp account, taking these precautionary measures can significantly reduce the risk of your WhatsApp account being hijacked by hackers.