Protect Your WhatsApp Account: What to Do If It’s Hacked

WhatsApp has become an integral part of our daily lives, enabling us to stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. However, the convenience of this messaging platform also comes with certain vulnerabilities. While WhatsApp accounts are not easily hacked, there are various scenarios in which they can end up in the wrong hands. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps you should take if you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been compromised. From SIM swapping attacks to the manipulation of verification codes, we will delve into each situation and provide actionable advice on how to regain control of your WhatsApp account.

What to do if your WhatsApp account has been hacked

When Your WhatsApp Account Is Registered Without Your Permission

It can be a shocking experience to discover that your WhatsApp account has been registered on another device without your consent. This may be a result of malicious intent, such as spamming your contacts, or an attacker gaining unauthorized access to your account. Let’s explore the various ways this can happen and the steps to remedy the situation.

Unauthorized Use of Verification Codes

To register a WhatsApp account on a different device, the attacker needs access to the verification code sent via SMS. In some cases, scammers may try to trick you into sharing the code, claiming it was sent to your phone by mistake. Alternatively, malware on your mobile device may intercept the code as soon as it arrives.

If you’ve mistakenly shared your verification code, you can regain control by re-verifying WhatsApp on your mobile. However, if the attacker has successfully duplicated your SIM card, it will take longer to restore your WhatsApp functionality.

To recover your WhatsApp account promptly, follow these steps:

• If you suspect someone has duplicated your SIM card, contact your mobile carrier to verify this. If confirmed, void the duplicate SIM card, request a new one, and consider taking legal action against your carrier for failing to ensure a secure duplicate issuance. Operators have faced substantial fines for such lapses in the past. Once you have an active SIM card, you can re-register WhatsApp on your mobile. In the meantime, contact WhatsApp support with the message “Stolen/lost phone: Please deactivate my account” and include your phone number with its international dialing code to request account deactivation.
• Inform your contacts about the situation. Many of your contacts may use alternative messaging apps, so it’s crucial to notify them via text or phone call about the compromise of your WhatsApp account. They should exercise caution and avoid clicking on links, installing apps, or sending money to anyone claiming to be you.
• Attempt to register your number again. The most effective way to remove the intruder from your WhatsApp is by re-registering it on your mobile. Click on “Verify” and enter the code sent to your mobile (if your SIM is still functioning). Please note that this option may take a few hours to become available.
• If you encounter a request for a verification code you don’t recognize, it indicates that the attacker has activated two-step verification. We strongly recommend enabling this feature once you regain control of your account. You will need to wait seven days to access your account without the code, but you can rest assured that the process will terminate the intruder’s session.

When You’re Being Spied on with an Open Session

Another way your WhatsApp account can be compromised is through an open session on WhatsApp Web, WhatsApp Desktop, or another mobile device or tablet. While recent versions of WhatsApp’s multi-device mode allow for independent use of linked versions, it’s essential to be vigilant about your sessions.

The following steps will help you regain control of your WhatsApp if you suspect someone is spying on you through an open session:

• Check active sessions on WhatsApp. Tap on the three-dot menu and navigate to “Linked devices” to view all locations where your WhatsApp is in use. Pay close attention to the timestamp indicating the last active session.
• If you encounter a suspicious session, select it and click “Sign Out” to terminate the unauthorized access.

When Your Mobile Phone is Stolen

Losing your mobile phone is a distressing experience, as it exposes you to potential privacy breaches beyond your WhatsApp account. However, if your device was adequately secured and locked, the thief will be unable to access your data or WhatsApp. Here are the steps to take in the event of a stolen mobile phone:

• Notify your contacts immediately. Inform your contacts that someone has stolen your phone and warn them that they may receive messages or calls from an impersonator.
• Contact your mobile carrier and request the suspension of your current SIM card while ordering a duplicate.
• Change your passwords, particularly for global accounts such as Google, Facebook, or Twitter. Changing your passwords will automatically log you out of these accounts, preventing unauthorized access.
• Report the theft to the police by visiting a local police station. You will need the IMEI code of your mobile, which can get through “Find my device.”
• If your device was not locked or protected and there is evidence of unauthorized access to your WhatsApp, take the following steps to secure your WhatsApp account and other critical data:
  • Write to WhatsApp support with the subject “Stolen/lost phone: Please deactivate my account” and include your phone number with its international dialing code to request account deactivation.

Additional tips to protect your privacy on WhatsApp

In addition to the tips above, there are a number of other things that you can do to protect your privacy on WhatsApp. Here are a few additional tips:

• Be careful about what information you share on WhatsApp. Do not share any personal information that you would not want to fall into the wrong hands.
• Use WhatsApp’s privacy settings to control who can see your profile picture, last seen status, and other information. To access the app‘s privacy settings, go to WhatsApp Settings > Privacy.
• Be careful about who you add to your WhatsApp contacts. Only add people to your WhatsApp contacts that you know and trust.

Here are some additional tips that you can follow to further protect your WhatsApp account from hacking:

• Be careful about what apps you install on your phone. Only install apps from trusted sources, such as the official app store for your phone.
• Keep your antivirus software up to date. Antivirus software can help to protect your phone from malware and other threats.
• Be careful about what attachments you open in emails and WhatsApp messages

In Conclusion

WhatsApp has undoubtedly revolutionized communication. But it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive measures to protect your account. Whether your WhatsApp account has been registered without your permission, you suspect someone is spying through an open session, or your mobile phone is stolen, following the outlined steps will help you regain control and secure your WhatsApp account.

Remember that safeguarding your personal information, using two-step verification, and keeping your mobile device secure are crucial in preventing unauthorized access to your WhatsApp and other sensitive data. By staying vigilant and taking prompt action, you can minimize the impact of security breaches and continue enjoying the benefits of the app with peace of mind.