news 
Police Issue WhatsApp Account Hacking Warning—Act Now Before It’s Too Late
A warning has been issued by police forces after a surge in scammers attempting to take over WhatsApp accounts. The alert comes as a stark reminder of the importance of taking proactive measures to protect our online identities and security.
In this latest threat, hackers are targeting various groups, including students, health workers, religious and faith-based organizations, and businesses. The goal is to gain control of one account and then exploit it to target other users within that group. It’s a frightening prospect, especially considering the enormous number of WhatsApp installations worldwide – over 3 billion iPhone and Android devices.
To prevent such attacks, it is imperative that we take action now. Firstly, ensure two-step verification is enabled on your WhatsApp settings. This allows you to set a personalized PIN code, separate from the one-time passcode sent by WhatsApp. When an attacker tries to compromise your account, they will also need to enter this custom PIN.
Furthermore, set up a passkey in the same settings tab if available. This links your login to the biometric data on your iPhone or Android device, providing an additional layer of security. Finally, add an email address associated with your WhatsApp account, which can be used for recovery purposes should you lose access.
The warning from police emphasizes that one-time codes sent via SMS or WhatsApp should never be shared with anyone. There is a high risk of falling victim to socially engineered lures that trick users into providing these codes to attackers posing as trusted individuals.
To recap, adding the security settings outlined above will guarantee your account remains locked down and secure against unauthorized access. Even if you’re duped into sharing a one-time code, these enhanced settings will prevent an attacker from taking control of your WhatsApp identity.
It is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive in defending our online presence. By implementing these simple yet effective measures, we can safeguard our digital lives and avoid the devastating consequences that come with identity theft.
Join the conversation:
What steps have you taken to secure your WhatsApp account? Have you fallen victim to any social engineering tactics in the past?
Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below.
Source: www.forbes.com
