WhatsApp users are being urged to stay vigilant and adhere to three new guidelines to safeguard their accounts. Reports from Action Fraud reveal a notable increase in instances of unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts by cybercriminals aiming to deceive the users’ contacts.
In some cases, these cyber attackers even lock out the genuine users to prevent them from alerting others about the compromise of their accounts.
Typically, these attacks commence with a request for the account’s activation code, which is then exploited to gain unauthorized access.
To mitigate such risks, Action Fraud emphasizes the importance of implementing two-step verification on WhatsApp accounts. This security measure requires verification on a secondary device before logging in, enabling users to promptly identify and thwart any unauthorized login attempts.
“Safeguard your WhatsApp account from hackers,” advised Action Fraud in a tweet via X (formerly Twitter).
The cybercrime prevention team stresses the necessity of enabling two-step verification within WhatsApp settings. Users are instructed to navigate to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable within the app.
Additionally, it is crucial not to disclose any code sent to your phone. Action Fraud warns against sharing the account’s activation code received via SMS, as this information can be exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to the app.
Lastly, Action encourages users to exercise caution by 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, particularly in light of the prevalent “Hi mum” scam targeting unsuspecting individuals for financial gain.
It is estimated that significant sums of money have already been illicitly obtained by online scammers through such deceptive schemes. Therefore, users are reminded to stay vigilant, update their WhatsApp app regularly, and ensure its security.
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