Beware of WhatsApp Being Tapped Remotely, Watch for the Signs
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –You need to be wary of becoming a victim of smartphone hacking or hacking. This includes tapping by unknown parties on your personal WhatsApp account.
Hackers often use various methods to intercept messages, from installing third-party applications, exploiting vulnerabilities in WhatsApp Web, to sending malware-laden files. These illegal actions typically aim to gain financial gain through fraudulent schemes that drain victims’ accounts.
To prevent this, you need to recognize the basic signs that your WhatsApp account might be being monitored or tapped by someone else. Here are the signs:
1. Receiving an OTP SMS Suddenly You should be suspicious if you receive an incoming message containing a WhatsApp One-Time Password (OTP). This six-digit secret code is only sent via SMS when a new device attempts to access or register your WhatsApp account. If this SMS arrives even though you’re not logged in, it means someone else is trying to break into your account. Remember, never give this code to anyone.
2. Account Logging Out of Yourself Another noticeable sign is a WhatsApp account that suddenly logs out of itself. WhatsApp only allows one primary number to be active on a mobile app at a time. If you’re logging out suddenly, it’s likely another device has managed to gain access to your account. You
You can monitor the list of active devices through the settings menu and select the Linked Devices option.
3. Mysteriously Read Messages: If you find an incoming message has been opened (blue tick or no longer bold) even though you don’t think you’ve ever opened or read it, this is a strong signal that your account has been hacked and is being monitored by someone else.
4. Messages Sending Themselves: Similar to the previous point, you should be extremely vigilant if you notice your chat history automatically sending certain messages, files, or links. This incident confirms that a hacker has gained full control of your WhatsApp account remotely.
5. WhatsApp Status Changes to Strange Messages: Don’t ignore sudden WhatsApp status updates (WhatsApp Stories) that are strange and beyond your control. If you’ve never made such a post before, it’s likely there’s illegal activity on your account.
6. Unknown Call Logs: The final sign of WhatsApp tapping is the appearance of a history of unknown phone or video calls. You may notice outgoing or incoming calls that you never made or were previously aware of.
To avoid this threat of cyber tapping, one of the most effective preventative measures is to activate the two-step verification feature. This multi-layered security feature has proven effective in preventing outsiders from accessing your WhatsApp account because they are required to enter an additional PIN code known only to the authorized owner.
ere’s how to activate it:
– Click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the WhatsApp app.
– Go to the Settings menu, then go to Account.
– Click the Two-Step Verification option.
– Press the Enable button.
– Enter a six-digit secret PIN of your choice and confirm it.
– Don’t forget to enter a valid email address to facilitate recovery if you ever forget your PIN.
Make sure you always keep your PIN and OTP confidential to prevent anyone from infiltrating and misusing your WhatsApp account without your knowledge.
SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA
