WhatsApp and other messaging apps are seeing a huge increase in usage today due to the Covid-19 pandemic. WhatsApp is actually the most popular with over a 40% increase in usage. This also makes the app vulnerable to hacks and scams, and there is actually a hack that has returned to WhatsApp.
This WhatsApp hack can easily trick people into getting scammed as it uses the victim’s friend or someone they know for this. What it basically does is that the hacker will use an already hacked account to contact the friends . The victim will receive a message saying that their friend (hacker) is having problems with verification code , so it has been sent to them. When the victim sends the verification back to their friend, it is actually going to the hacker. This way the hacker gains control of the victim.
The hacker uses this opportunity to demand a ransom in exchange for the “release” of this WhatsApp account. Many WhatsApp users can easily fall victim to this hack, since it comes from someone they trust. Also, this message can be sent via Facebook as well. It doesn’t necessarily have to be from WhatsApp. If you have received such a message, do not send the verification code.
But to stay away from such WhatsApp hacks this is what you need to do.
Set up two-factor authentication for your WhatsApp account.
Open the settings menu, then select account > two-step verification > enable.
Here, you will need to set a six-digit PIN code.
You can also add a backup email.
Every time you try to set up your WhatsApp account on a new phone, this PIN code.
It is an additional PIN code along with the verification code sent via SMS.
