4 Ways WhatsApp Can Be Hacked and How to Stay Safe

WhatsApp is one of the world’s top instant messaging platforms, making it a common target for hackers. Understanding the ways WhatsApp can be hacked and how to stay safe is crucial to protecting your account, messages and personal data.

Here is 4 Ways WhatsApp Can Be Hacked and How to Protect Yourself

Using Malware

Hackers don’t always need to break into your WhatsApp account directly. Instead, they can use malware to complete the task for them. Malware can secretly penetrate your device and steal your data without you knowing it.

For instance: keylogging malware runs in the background, recording everything you type. This includes WhatsApp messages, usernames, passwords and other sensitive information.

Some malware can directly access your WhatsApp chats, intercepting and sending them to hackers. Others might control your phone’s screen recording feature, capturing everything you do. If you’re on WhatsApp, hackers can see your private messages.

This shows why protecting your device from harmful software is essential to keep your WhatsApp account secure.

Call Forwarding Tricks

Hackers can use call forwarding scams to gain direct access to your WhatsApp account, bypassing two-factor authentication (2FA). Instead of monitoring your messages like malware, this method tricks you into redirecting your calls to the hacker.

One of WhatsApp’s 2FA methods sends a login code via a voice call. Hackers exploit this by setting up call forwarding so the code gets sent to them instead of you.

Here’s how it works: scammers trick you into entering a special code on your phone, which forwards your calls to them. They usually make it seem like you need to call that number for something urgent.

Once call forwarding is set up, the hacker can access your WhatsApp account and ask for a voice call to get the 2FA code. The call is now sent to the scammer who receives the code and can log into your account.

This emphasizes the significance of exercising caution and never entering codes or numbers that you do not completely comprehend. To keep your WhatsApp secure, always check requests before taking any action.

Tricking You for Login Codes

Hackers can steal your WhatsApp login codes by asking for them directly. They usually pretend the code is for something else, not realizing it’s for your account.

This scam targets SMS-based 2FA where WhatsApp sends you a six-digit code to log in. Scammers will contact you, claiming the code is for something like an important video call. Believing them, you give the code and they gain access to your account.

Never share your login codes even if the request sounds convincing. Always stay cautious to keep your account safe.

Fake WhatsApp Web QR Codes

When you use WhatsApp Web you need to scan a QR code with your phone to log in. However, cybercriminals have found a way to create fake WhatsApp Web websites that show harmful QR codes. Once you scan these fake codes, the hacker can access your account.

This scam often starts when you search for WhatsApp Web online. The real WhatsApp Web page usually appears at the top of the search results, but scammers can make fake websites show up there too. Since people trust the first link, they click it without realizing they’ve been tricked.

The fake site looks just like the real WhatsApp Web page, except it shows a malicious QR code. Once scanned, your WhatsApp account is compromised, and many users don’t even realize their details have been stolen. The only sign something went wrong is that they can’t log into WhatsApp Web.

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How to Protect Your WhatsApp from Hacking

There are many ways hackers can gain access to your WhatsApp account and messages, but the good news is that there are plenty of steps you can take to protect yourself.

Never Give Out Login or 2FA Codes to Anyone
Never disclose your login or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes. These codes are provided to you via SMS & they frequently include a warning not to share them. Always double-check what you’re sending to make sure you’re not giving your codes to someone you shouldn’t.

Think Before Following Any Instructions
Always pause and consider before following directions, especially if something feels unusual. If someone instructs you to dial a number with symbols such as hash signs, asterisks or arrows, this is a red signal. These characters represent an MMI code which is commonly exploited by scammers to enable call forwarding on your phone.

Install a Good Phone Antivirus
If you’re concerned about malware, you should install a reliable antivirus on your phone. Some phones have built-in antivirus software; if yours does not, get a reliable one from the app store.

Visit the Official WhatsApp Web Website Directly
To use WhatsApp Web safely: always visit the official website at https://web.whatsapp.com/. You can bookmark it or manually type it in to make sure you’re on the right page. If you tend to search for WhatsApp Web, double-check the URL before scanning the QR code. Only trust the official site to avoid falling into scams.

By following these tips you can reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to your WhatsApp account and keep your messages secure.

FAQ on How to Keep Your WhatsApp Safe

How does malware hack my WhatsApp?
Hackers use malware to secretly record what you type or access your WhatsApp messages. Some malware steals your information in the background, and some even records your screen to capture your private chats.

What is call forwarding and how does it affect my WhatsApp?
Hackers trick you into forwarding your phone calls to them. When WhatsApp sends you a login code, it goes to the hacker instead of you, letting them access your account.

How do hackers get my WhatsApp login code?
Hackers may pretend that your login code is for something else, like a video call, and ask you to give it to them. If you share the code, they can log into your account.

How can I avoid fake WhatsApp Web QR codes?
To avoid fake websites, always go directly to https://web.whatsapp.com/. Don’t trust links from search results without checking the URL first.

What can I do to protect my WhatsApp?

• Never share your login or 2FA codes.
• Be careful when following strange instructions.
• Install antivirus software to protect your phone from malware.
• Always visit the official WhatsApp Web site directly.