How Hackers Hijack WhatsApp Accounts And How To Protect Yourself

WhatsApp is a popular messaging software with billions of users worldwide. It allows users to send messages, media and make voice and video chats while maintaining privacy with end-to-end encryption. Hackers target it due to its popularity in an attempt to take over accounts or steal data.

Harsha Bhogle Warns About WhatsApp Hijack Scams

Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle posted a warning on X on March 20 about a WhatsApp hijack scam. He explained how a relative lost access to her account after a friend sent her a message telling her that there was a verification code sent by mistake. Believing the sender, she had sent the code and got logged out immediately. The scammer had also sent messages to her contacts pretending to be her and asking for money or codes to hijack other accounts.

While boarding a flight, the scammer had altered group settings where she was an admin and even the backup email so that recovery is difficult. Bhogle's post brings to notice the increasing risk of such scams and the caution needed. He also posted a video by Saksham Senior, a YouTuber who specializes in advising senior citizens of India, which explained this scam. Bhogle's post brings to notice the increasing risk of such scams and the caution needed.

How Hackers Hijack WhatsApp Accounts

1. SIM Swap Attacks: Hackers manipulate mobile carriers into swapping your phone number onto a different SIM card. With your number under their control, they are able to evade two-factor authentication and take over your WhatsApp account.

2. Phishing Scams: Scammers send imposter messages or links, claiming to be from WhatsApp, requesting verification codes or other confidential data, which they then use to enter your account.

3. WhatsApp Web Exploits: Hackers can take control by deceiving you into scanning a fake QR code or by using an already logged-in session on a different device to hijack your account.

4. Malware and Spyware: Hackers compromise your phone with malicious apps that steal your WhatsApp credentials and enable them to read your messages or get into your account.

How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Hijacks

1. Activate two-step verification for an additional layer of security, requiring a PIN in addition to the usual verification code.

2. Refrain from sharing OTP or verification codes even if they seem to be sent by a familiar contact.

3. Regularly check active sessions on WhatsApp Web and log out of any new devices.

4. Keep your phone and email passwords strong, and unique, and enable two-factor authentication for extra security.

5. Be wary of suspicious links and QR codes sent by unknown sources, as they might be utilised to steal your account credentials.

What to do if your WhatsApp Hijacked 

If your WhatsApp account has been hacked, attempt to log in with your phone number and the SMS code first. If you are unable to reach WhatsApp Support, use the Contact Us feature in the app to get help. If there was a SIM swap attack, reach out to your mobile operator to block the new SIM and get your old number back.

Also, WhatsApp (Meta) can assist by emailing you a recovery link in the event that your account information has changed. As soon as you regain access, turn on two-step verification to strengthen security and prevent future hijackings.

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