How to Protect Your WhatsApp from Being Hacked

Victor Ifegwu Mbonu

3 months ago

In this article, I share practical and effective strategies to protect your WhatsApp from being hacked. With over 2 billion active users, WhatsApp has become an essential part of daily communication in the world today. In Nigeria, 1 in 4 persons who have a mobile phone are registered on WhatsApp. And they use WhatsApp for various reasons and in various ways including catching up with family, discussing business, or staying connected with friends.

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WhatsApp offers a convenient platform to exchange messages, photos, videos, and even make calls. Many small businesses rely on it for transactions and customer service, while individuals use it to share sensitive information. Unfortunately, the high number of users on the platform means that WhatsApp accounts are top targets for hackers. When your WhatsApp account is hacked, it can lead to your personal information being compromised, and the consequences can be severe—from identity theft to financial losses. So, understanding how to protect your WhatsApp account is therefore important to keeping your data safe.

1. Enable Two-Step Verification

The first step to protecting your WhatsApp account is to enable two-step verification. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again. To activate this feature, open your WhatsApp and follow the steps below:

Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
Click on Enable and set a six-digit PIN.
Provide an email address as a backup in case you forget your PIN.

With two-step verification enabled, even if someone gains access to your SIM card, they won’t be able to take over your WhatsApp account without the PIN.

2. Be Cautious of Unknown Messages and Links

Phishing scams are one of the most common ways hackers try to gain access to your WhatsApp account. These attacks often involve receiving a message or link that appears to be from a trusted contact or organization but is designed to steal your personal information. The messages may ask you to click on a link to apply for a promotion or provide your verification code. To protect yourself, never click on unknown links or respond to suspicious messages, even if they seem to come from someone you know. Hackers can easily spoof contacts, making it appear as though the message is legitimate. If you’re unsure about a link or message, it’s better to verify its authenticity with the sender through a different communication channel before taking any action.

3. Secure Your Phone

Your WhatsApp security is only as strong as the security of your phone. Ensure your device is protected by using a strong password, PIN, or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. Additionally, avoid sharing your phone with others, and be cautious when using Wi-Fi networks. Only connect to Wi-Fi networks that you can trust, public Wi-Fi networks can be less secure.

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4. Log Out of WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web is a convenient tool that allows you to access your WhatsApp account on a computer. However, it can also be a security risk if not used properly. When you connect from another computer, not your computer and you forget to log out, someone else could gain access to your account. Always log out of WhatsApp Web when you’re done using it. To do this:

Go to Settings > Linked devices on your phone.
Select Log out from all devices

This ensures that no one else can access your WhatsApp account from a computer you’ve previously logged into.

5. Keep Your WhatsApp Updated

WhatsApp regularly releases updates to patch security vulnerabilities and add new features. It’s important to keep your app up to date to ensure you’re protected against the latest threats. By not updating your software, you leave your WhatsApp account exposed to potential security risks that hackers can exploit. Make it a habit to check for updates on your phone’s app store and install them as soon as they become available. Also, keep your phone’s operating system updated to the latest version available.

6. Limit Who Can See Your Personal Information

Another way to protect your WhatsApp is by controlling who can see your personal information, such as your profile picture, status, last seen, and who can add you to Groups. To do this:

Go to Settings > Privacy.
Adjust your settings for Last seen, Profile photo, About, Status, and Groups.
Select My Contacts or Nobody to limit visibility.

7. Be Cautious of Third-Party Apps

Using third-party apps to enhance your WhatsApp experience might seem appealing, but these apps can pose significant security risks. Many third-party apps aren’t verified by WhatsApp and could be designed to steal your data. Stick to the official WhatsApp app and avoid using untrusted add-ons.

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Concluding Thoughts

With the important place which WhatsApp has come to hold in our communication needs as individuals, ensuring you protect your WhatsApp account from hackers is important. By taking the steps outlined above, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WhatsApp being hacked.

Featured Image Source: Yemen Business

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