WhatsApp users are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to three new guidelines to safeguard their accounts. Action Fraud has reported a significant increase in incidents of WhatsApp takeovers, where cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to accounts and exploit them to deceive the user’s contacts.
In some cases, hackers lock out the genuine user to prevent them from alerting others about the compromise. These attacks typically begin with a request for the account’s activation code, which is then used for unauthorized access.
To combat this threat, Action Fraud recommends implementing two crucial security measures. Firstly, users should enable two-step verification on their WhatsApp accounts to prevent unauthorized logins. This feature requires verification on a secondary device, enabling users to detect and thwart any illicit access attempts promptly.
Setting up two-step verification is a straightforward process: navigate to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable in the WhatsApp app. Additionally, users are urged to refrain from sharing any codes sent to their phones to prevent unauthorized access attempts.
Moreover, Action Fraud advises individuals to exercise caution and verify unusual requests from family or friends on WhatsApp by calling them directly. This precaution is essential in light of the prevalent “Hi mum” scam, which dupes unsuspecting relatives into sending money to fraudulent individuals posing as loved ones in distress.
To avoid falling victim to such scams, users are encouraged to keep their WhatsApp app updated and secure at all times. By following these guidelines, users can enhance the security of their accounts and protect themselves from potential cyber threats.
