WhatsApp users are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to three new guidelines to safeguard their accounts. Action Fraud has noted a significant increase in instances of WhatsApp takeovers, where cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to accounts to exploit contacts. In some cases, these perpetrators lock out the genuine account owner to prevent them from alerting others about the breach.
These attacks typically begin with a request for the account’s activation code, which is then exploited to gain unauthorized entry. Action Fraud is now offering crucial advice and three rules to prevent falling victim to such scams.
“Protect your WhatsApp account from hackers,” advised Action Fraud in a recent Twitter post. The cybercrime prevention team emphasizes the importance of checking WhatsApp accounts and ensuring that two-step verification is enabled. With this feature activated, unauthorized logins are blocked unless verified on a secondary device, enabling users to detect and thwart any suspicious access attempts.
To activate two-step verification, users can simply navigate to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable within the WhatsApp app. Additionally, it is vital to refrain from sharing any codes sent to your phone, as Action Fraud warns against disclosing the account’s activation code received via SMS. Once hackers obtain this code, they can easily compromise the account and send fraudulent messages.
Lastly, Action recommends adopting a “STOP. THINK. CALL.” approach. If a contact makes an unusual request on WhatsApp, it is advisable to verify their identity by calling them directly. This precaution is especially crucial in light of the prevalent “Hi mum” scam, where scammers pose as acquaintances in urgent need of financial assistance.
It is estimated that significant sums have already been pilfered by online fraudsters using this deceptive tactic. WhatsApp users are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, ensure their app is up to date, and take necessary security measures to protect against potential threats.