Learning how to avoid WhatsApp hacking is important because your WhatsApp account can contain private conversations, photographs, documents, contacts and other personal information. Criminals may attempt to gain access through verification-code scams, fake links, malicious applications or social engineering. WhatsApp provides security features such as two-step verification and recommends keeping your account protected with additional security measures.
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Enable Two-Step Verification
One of the most important ways to protect your WhatsApp account is to enable two-step verification.
This feature adds a PIN that is required when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again. Open WhatsApp settings, select Account, choose Two-step verification and follow the instructions to create your PIN.
Choose a PIN that is difficult for other people to guess and do not share it with anyone.
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Never Share Your WhatsApp Verification Code
Your WhatsApp registration code is highly sensitive. Never give the six-digit code sent to your phone to another person, even if they claim to be a friend, WhatsApp employee or someone helping you recover your account.
Scammers may contact you and pretend that they accidentally requested a code using your number. If you provide the code, they may be able to register your number on their device.
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Be Careful With Suspicious Links
Avoid clicking links sent through WhatsApp when you are not sure where they lead.
Scammers can use messages that claim you have won a prize, received a package, been selected for a job or need to verify an account. These messages may direct you to fake websites designed to steal your information.
Check the sender and website carefully before entering passwords, banking information or other personal details.
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Check Linked Devices Regularly
WhatsApp allows your account to be linked to other devices. Regularly review the devices connected to your account.
Open WhatsApp settings and check the Linked Devices section. If you see a computer, phone or browser that you do not recognize, log it out.
This is particularly useful if you have previously used WhatsApp Web or connected your account to another computer.
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Protect Your Phone
Your WhatsApp security also depends on the security of your phone.
Use a strong screen lock, PIN, password or biometric authentication where available. Avoid leaving your unlocked phone unattended, especially in public places.
If someone gains physical access to an unlocked device, they may be able to read messages or change account settings.
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Keep WhatsApp Updated
Install WhatsApp updates when they become available through your device’s official app store.
Updates can include security improvements, bug fixes and other protections. Keeping your operating system updated can also help protect the device from known security vulnerabilities.
Avoid downloading modified or unofficial versions of WhatsApp because they may expose your account and personal information to additional risks.
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Avoid Fake WhatsApp Applications
Only download WhatsApp from an official app store or WhatsApp’s official website.
Some unofficial applications promise additional features, such as hidden messages, extra customization or the ability to monitor other accounts. Installing unknown applications can expose your phone to malware and other security threats.
Before installing an application, check the developer and download source carefully.
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Be Careful With Calls and Messages From Strangers
Hackers and scammers can use social engineering to convince people to reveal information.
Someone may pretend to be a relative, friend, company representative or technical support agent. If a message seems unusual, contact the person through another trusted communication method before taking action.
Do not allow pressure or urgency to make you reveal sensitive information.
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Use WhatsApp Privacy Settings
Review your WhatsApp privacy settings and limit who can see information such as your profile photo, status, last seen information and other account details.
Reducing the amount of personal information visible to unknown people can make it harder for scammers to target you.
You should also be careful about adding unknown people to groups or responding to unfamiliar accounts.
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Secure Your Email and Phone Number
Your WhatsApp account is connected to your phone number, so protecting other accounts associated with that number is also important.
Use strong, unique passwords for your important online accounts and enable additional security features where available.
Be particularly careful about requests involving your SIM card, mobile account or account recovery information.
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Do Not Install Unknown Files
Be cautious when someone sends you an unexpected document, application file or other attachment.
Malicious files can potentially compromise your device or expose personal information. If you were not expecting the file, confirm with the sender before opening it.
Keep your phone’s security software and operating system updated as an additional precaution.
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Know What to Do If Your Account Is Compromised
If you believe someone has accessed your WhatsApp account, act quickly.
Register your phone number again on WhatsApp using the verification code sent to your phone. This can log the other person out of the account. You should also check your linked devices and remove any device you do not recognize.
If you suspect that someone has gained access to your phone number or SIM card, contact your mobile network provider for assistance.
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