Signs Your WhatsApp Account Is Being Tapped and How to Stop It
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –You need to be aware of criminal schemes that can lead to WhatsApp account hacking. This can lead to account hijacking and monitoring of activity on the platform by the perpetrator.
One of the impacts of this tapping is that the perpetrator can steal the victim’s money. They use various methods to achieve this, including installing third-party applications, exploiting WhatsApp Web, and sending malware to the phone.
One of the impacts of this tapping is that the perpetrator can steal the victim’s money. They use various methods to achieve this, including installing third-party applications, exploiting WhatsApp Web, and sending malware to the phone.
You can recognize the signs that your WhatsApp account has been tapped. Here are some of them:
1. OTP
A One-Time Password (OTP) is a six-digit code used to access WhatsApp. OTPs are usually sent via SMS to your registered WhatsApp number.
So, be wary if you receive an OTP SMS even though you haven’t done anything to access WhatsApp. Also, remember not to give your OTP to anyone.
2. Exit WhatsApp
Another sign is a sudden exit or logout. This could mean someone is trying to log in to your account from an unknown device.
You can find a list of other devices connected to your account via WhatsApp Web.
3. Read Messages
Be careful if a message is opened and read when you haven’t previously. This is a sign that your WhatsApp account has been hacked.
4. Self-Sent Messages
As before, if a message is sent by itself, it could be a sign that your account has been hacked.
5. Strange WhatsApp Status
Another sign that your account has been hacked is posting status updates you’ve never made before.
6. Making Phone Calls
Finally, your account may have been hacked if you receive strange phone calls on WhatsApp, even if you’ve never made them before.
How to Stop WhatsApp Tapping Practices
You can use two-step verification to prevent your account from being tapped by others. This feature prevents perpetrators from accessing your account if they don’t know the code you registered.
Here’s how to activate the two-step verification feature on WhatsApp:
1. Click the three-dot option.
2. Go to Settings, then go to Account and click Two-Step Verification.
3. Tap Enable.
4. Enter the six-code code.
5. Don’t forget to enter your email address to recover the code if you forget it.
Meanwhile, there are several steps you can take if tapping has already occurred. Here are some steps:
Report to WhatsApp
You can email WhatsApp directly at support@whatsapp.com with the keyword “Lost/stolen: please deactivate my account” in the body of the email. Provide a timeline of events, including information on when and how the other party may have accessed your account.
You have 30 days to reactivate your account before it’s permanently deleted.
Re-Log In
Another method is to reinstall. This step can be done if the user has previously approved the account transfer.
You must reinstall using the registered number. This will allow WhatsApp to send an OTP to your number.
WhatsApp Account Screen Lock
This screen lock function is available on Android devices to prevent others from accessing it. To activate it, go to Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock > Fingerprint Scan.
Check WhatsApp Web Regularly
You also need to check the list of devices connected to your WhatsApp account. Immediately log out any unknown devices.
Here’s how to check connected devices via WhatsApp Web:
• Tap the three-dot option
• Click WhatsApp Web
• You will then see a list of devices connected to your WhatsApp account
• Select Log Out of All Devices.
SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA
