SCAM ALERT: SECURE YOUR WHATSAPP ACCOUNT
A new scam has recently emerged where cybercriminals use the well-known number porting tactic, usually associated with the hacking of bank accounts, to now highjack your WhatsApp. The scammer will then use your WhatsApp to message your contacts and ask them for money pretending to be you. To avoid being the next victim, here is a guide on how to secure your WhatsApp account:
1. Enable the two-step verification feature to secure your WhatsApp account
Yes- it is a bit of admin, but if you don’t activate this feature and your Whatapp account gets hacked, the hacker can use this function to lock you out of your account. To enable this feature and to secure your WhatsApp account, you will be required to choose a 6-digit passcode. When enabled, any attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp must be accompanied by the passcode that you created using this feature. We suggest that you also enter your email address to allow WhatsApp to send you a link via email to disable two-step verification in case you ever forget your six-digit passcode – which we know you will probably forget by the time you need to use the passcode again.
2. Enable your security encryption notifications
Why would you want to enable this feature?
Each of your chats has its own security code used to verify that your calls and the messages you send to that chat are end-to-end encrypted. If you click on a contact and scroll down to “Encryption” you will find this code This code in the contact info screen, both as a QR code and a 60-digit number. These codes are unique to each chat and can be compared between people in each chat to verify that the messages you send to the chat are end-to-end encrypted.
At times, the security codes used in end-to-end encryption might change. This is likely because you or your contact reinstalled WhatsApp or changed phones. Secure your Whatsapp account by enabling this feature. You will be notified when the security code changes and will be able to catch the cybercriminal before you get scammed.
Already been scammed?
If you have already fallen victim to this scam you can contact SwiftTechLaw if you require any further advice or assistance. If you are still in control of your number, secure your Whatsapp account before it is too late. For those thinking “nah – it will never happen to me”, let’s hope you don’t have generous friends and family members.
