WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications that exist. What made it so famous was that it was the first mobile application that offered free messaging. It has even eclipsed SMS as the user no longer has to worry about the number of characters. They can type 15 characters or 500 without worrying about splitting messages. Actually, the limit is 65,000+ characters, so there is no need to worry about that.
Another thing that users don’t have to worry about is the username. WhatsApp doesn’t need it. It connects to your cell phone number, so you will appear to other users with the same name they assigned you in their contact list.
Unfortunately, hackers can infiltrate your WhatsApp account. When this happens, you may be wondering what you can do to recover your account and protect it from future problems. This article explains what to do if your account is compromised and helps you protect it in the future.
How to know if your account is compromised
One of the key indicators that your WhatsApp account is compromised is seeing contacts that are not yours. WhatsApp is so intuitive that it will add your contacts when you sign in on a new device. Another sign is, of course, messages you didn’t send. If you open WhatsApp and see suspicious messages, it’s likely that someone is using your account.
Another telltale sign of a compromised WhatsApp account is strange communications from the company. For example, you may have received an email about a change to your account. If you have received something like this, it is a good idea to act immediately.
Lastly, the company may have been hacked. This situation is usually a large-scale attack that compromises user data. Unfortunately, there is no good way to detect this type of activity. Either way, WhatsApp will send you notifications that your account may have been compromised.
For more information, here’s how to recognize suspicious activity on WhatsApp.
What to do if your WhatsApp account is hacked
Now that you’ve discovered ways to determine if your account was hacked, it’s time to learn how to take action. Remember, you’ll want to act quickly to protect your private information and regain control of your account.
Notify your contacts
One of the newest scams involves hackers requesting a verification code by posing as your contact. Due to the nature of WhatsApp’s security features, all you need is a phone number and a verification code to log in.
When someone compromises your WhatsApp account, you can send messages to your contacts stating that the company sent a verification code and then gain access to your account. That’s why one of the first things you’ll want to do is send a message to your friends and family to let them know that you’ve lost access to your account. This action prevents further exploitation of your account and that of others.
Another reason you’ll want to let your contacts know that you don’t have access to your WhatsApp account is that they can fish for your personal information. From your bank number to your email address, hackers will cleverly try to gain as much access to your personal information as possible.
Do not sign out and sign back in if you receive verification codes
While this may seem a little strange, one of the methods hackers use is verification codes to lock you down for access. This action works because WhatsApp only allows you to send a limited number of verification codes at a time. When the hacker uses all your attempts, you will have to wait 12 hours to receive another one. But the hacker is more prepared than you, so he will get the codes and log into your account. They are effectively blocking you.
If you receive several WhatsApp text messages with verification codes, it is best to ignore them. Continue using your WhatsApp account as you normally would.
Things to know for the future
Regardless of the hacking horror stories, you can prevent many hacker attacks from happening in the first place. In most cases, people unknowingly give hackers access to their devices when they open an infected message or some other content sent from a suspicious source.
If you ever receive a message from an unknown number or a suspicious link, be sure to avoid opening it. The same goes for app installations. You should block all installations from unknown sources. Play Store has an option that allows you to do this.
Public and unsecured networks are another thing you should use carefully. Users should avoid public networks because they are often not secure.
If all else fails, it is best to block WhatsApp on your phone with an app locker or simply deactivate your WhatsApp account.
Let others know
If you discover that you have been hacked before someone asks you about strange activity on your account, be sure to tell them and post it on as many social networks as you can. Also, don’t forget to report the issue to WhatsApp as they will most likely help you take further action.
When all is said and done, you probably shouldn’t worry too much. In all likelihood, you are not the main target of these attacks, at least if you are not revealing too much information on social media. Try to share less and focus solely on the social aspect of these apps. Also, don’t forget to take preventive measures, such as blocking WhatsApp, just for security reasons.
Hacked WhatsApp FAQ
Can a hacker see my messages?
No. According to WhatsApp, all messages are stored on your device and not in a cloud service. Although messages are stored on your device, they are protected by end-to-end encryption. If someone gains illegal access to your account, they won’t see any of your previous conversations.
How do I know if my WhatsApp account was hacked?
First, check if the battery life has been significantly reduced. If so, this may be a sign.
See if the amount of Internet data consumed by your phone has increased for seemingly no reason. If so, there is a chance that you have been hacked, even if it is with another app.
As you probably already know, the temperature of your phone increases if it is under higher pressure. However, if you’re not using any large, resource-intensive apps, at least for the moment, and your phone gets hot anyway, you should consider spyware as a possible suspect.
What else can I do if my WhatsApp account is hacked?
In addition to notifying friends and family about the hack and staying logged in to WhatsApp when you receive activation codes, it is a good idea deactivate whatsapp web.
There is an option labeled “Sign out of all computers” that you should use. The feature also has a list of devices where you last used your account so you can see if you don’t recognize any. The only problem with this method is that it relies on the server you are connected to and VPNs also send incorrect location information. Regardless, location details can be a sure sign that there is an unauthorized user on your account, mainly when you check where you are logged in based on what your device sends in the form of information.
App lockers are an additional consideration, helping you lock any app on your smartphone. This way, hackers will have to unlock your phone before attacking further. There are also lockers specifically for WhatsApp.
Last but not least, try enabling two-step verification in your account settings for an extra layer of protection.
I need more help. Is there a phone number I can call to contact WhatsApp?
Maybe you’re not tech-savvy or the hacker dealt a serious blow to your account. Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not have a phone number you can call (similar to many online platforms nowadays). But, if you need more help, use WhatsApp. Contact Us page to report any issues you have and receive assistance from the support team.
