WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging applications in the world, but this popularity makes it a frequent target for cybercriminals. If your account has been hacked, it is essential to act quickly to recover it and protect your information staff. Below are steps to recover a compromised WhatsApp account and how to prevent future attacks.
Signs that your account has been hacked
First, it’s important to recognize the signs that your account has been hacked:
– Read messages that you have not opened: If you see messages marked as read that you haven’t reviewed, it could be a sign that someone else has access.
– Messages sent that you have not written: Seeing messages sent from your account that you did not write is a clear indication of compromise.
– Unknown WhatsApp Web sessions: If you detect active WhatsApp Web sessions on devices you don’t recognize, it’s likely that someone else is using your account.
– Changes to your profile or status: If you notice changes to your profile photo, status, or any other settings that you didn’t make, this is another sign of a hack.
– Unexpected disconnections: If you get disconnected for no apparent reason and need to verify your number again, someone may be trying to access your account.
Steps to recover your account
1. Reinstall WhatsApp
The first step to recover your account is to reinstall the application:
– Uninstall WhatsApp: On your device, uninstall the WhatsApp app.
– Reinstall the app: Download and install WhatsApp again from the app store.
– Verify your phone number: Open the application and verify your phone number by entering the six-digit code that you will receive by SMS.
This process will force log out of all devices where your account is active, including those controlled by the hacker.
2. Two-step verification
If the hacker has enabled two-step verification, and you don’t have the security code, you will have to wait seven days to be able to access your account without it. During this period, the hacker will not be able to access your account.
3. Signing out of linked devices
Once you have regained access to your account, It is crucial to log out of all linked devices to ensure that the hacker can no longer access your account:
– Open WhatsApp on your mobile.
– Go to Settings: Enter the Settings section.
– Select Linked Devices: Here you will see a list of all the devices where your account is active.
– Sign out of each device: Select each device and sign out.
4. Activate two-step verification
To add an extra layer of security, turn on two-step verification:
– Go to Settings in WhatsApp.
– Select Account: Then, choose Two-Step Verification.
– Activate verification: Follow the instructions to create a six-digit PIN. This PIN will be asked every time you try to register your phone number with WhatsApp on a new device.
Preventing future hacks
In addition to the steps above, there are several preventive measures you can take to protect your account from future hacks:
– Do not share your verification code: Never share the WhatsApp verification code that you receive via SMS, not even with friends or family.
– Beware of suspicious messages: Be wary of messages that ask for personal or financial information.
– Update your app regularly: Keep WhatsApp and other apps on your phone up to date to ensure you have the latest security improvements.
– Use a strong password: Make sure your email account associated with WhatsApp has a strong and unique password.
Recovering your WhatsApp account after a hack can be a quick process if you follow the right steps. Additionally, enabling additional security measures such as two-step verification can help protect your account against future hacking attempts. Always remain alert and follow best security practices to keep your personal information safe.
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