How to Check if You’ve Been Hacked & What to Do? - TimelinesAI (2024)

WhatsApp is a great tool for staying connected with friends and family. But like any online account, it’s not immune to security breaches. Hackers can gain access to your WhatsApp account and impersonate you, send spam to your contacts, or even steal your personal information.

In this article, we’ll take you through the warning signs that your WhatsApp account might be compromised, and the steps you can take to secure it and regain control.

How to know if your WhatsApp account has been hacked?

When your WhatsApp account gets hacked, there are several telltale signs that can alert you to the breach. Here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

1. Unusual Message Activity

Be wary of unusual message activity within your account. Do you see conversations marked as read even though you never looked at them? Did messages go out from your account that you never wrote? Have your friends or colleagues mentioned getting strange messages that seem like they came from you? If you see any of these signs, it’s important to investigate immediately.

2. Change in Account Profile

Sudden changes to your account profile information, such as your profile picture or “About Me” status, should raise red flags. Hackers may alter this information to spread misinformation or establish a false sense of legitimacy for fraudulent activities.

3. Unrecognized Linked Devices

WhatsApp Web allows accounts to link with computers. However, if you identify unrecognized devices listed under WhatsApp Web within your settings, it’s a strong indication of unauthorized access from another location. If you see a device that is not related to you, log out of it immediately.

4. Unsolicited Verification Requests

Receiving a WhatsApp verification code you didn’t request is a significant cause for alarm. Hackers often attempt to register your phone number on a new device, and the verification code is essential for completing this process.

5. You’re Unable to Access your Account

Are you unable to log in to your WhatsApp account at all? This is a major red flag. Hackers may change your login credentials to prevent you from accessing your account.

Now let’s understand what you can do if your WhatsApp account is hacked.

What to do if Your WhatsApp Account is Hacked?

If you suspect your WhatsApp account has been compromised, here’s a detailed guide that can help you regain control and secure your account.

Act Swiftly: Log Out of All Devices

The first step is to prevent any further unauthorized access by immediately logging out of all devices where your account might be active.

Here’s how to do it:

• Open WhatsApp on your phone.
• Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner of your screen and click on Settings.
• Once in Settings, tap on Linked Devices. This option might be worded slightly differently on some devices, but it will generally be related to managing connected devices.
• Upon tapping Linked Devices, you’ll see a list of all devices currently linked to your WhatsApp account. These devices could be other phones, tablets, or computers where you’ve previously used WhatsApp Web.
• Click on each of the devices and log out.

This action essentially revokes access for any unauthorized users who might be logged into your WhatsApp account. By forcing them to log in again with your credentials, you effectively buy yourself time and make it more difficult for them to maintain access.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your account. With 2FA enabled, others won’t be able to log in without a secondary code sent to your phone number or registered email address.

To enable 2FA, go to Settings > Account and tap on “Two-step verification”. Here, you can choose a PIN or enable fingerprint unlock for additional security. Avoid using simple sequences like “1234” or birthdates.

If you already have 2FA enabled, then change your PIN.

Report the Hack to WhatsApp

Let WhatsApp know about the suspicious activity. You can contact them through their Help Center. Here’s how:

• Open WhatsApp and go to Settings > Help.
• Tap on “Help Center”.
• There, at the bottom right of the screen, you will find a small green box with the word “Support” on it. Click on that and it will open to “Contact us”
• Briefly describe the situation (account hacked, unauthorized access, etc.) and mention any relevant details like the time you suspect the hack occurred or if you noticed any unusual activity and send the message.

Scan for Malware: Ensure Your Phone is Safe

Sometimes, malware on your phone can be the culprit behind a hacked WhatsApp account. Download a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app from a trusted source and run a thorough scan of your phone. If any threats are detected, follow the app’s instructions to remove them.

Alert Your Contacts (Highly Recommended)

Since you might not be aware of the extent of the hack, it’s crucial to inform your contacts. Send a message (or have a trusted friend do it if you’re locked out) explaining the situation and warn them to be wary of any suspicious messages that might appear to be from you.

6. Block Your SIM Card and Request a New One (Extreme Case)

This step is only recommended if you’re unable to regain access to your WhatsApp account, suspect broader issues, and think that this could be a sophisticated hack attempt. Call your mobile service provider or visit a physical store. Inform them that you suspect your SIM card might be compromised and request to block it immediately. This will essentially deactivate the compromised SIM and assign you a new one with the same phone number.

Here are some actions you can take to potentially improve the security of your WhatsApp account.

How can you prevent your WhatsApp account from getting hacked?

Protecting your WhatsApp account from hacking involves a combination of vigilance and proactive security measures. Here’s how you can fortify your account against unauthorized access:

Activate Two-Step Verification

As mentioned earlier, two-step verification adds an extra layer of security. So, get this done immediately. Also, WhatsApp asks for the PIN periodically to help ensure you remember it, providing an added layer of security.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Ensure that the password linked to your WhatsApp account and the email associated with it are strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessable passwords and PINs.

A strong password is long (at least 12 characters) and combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Regularly Update WhatsApp

Keep your WhatsApp application updated to the latest version. Updates often include security patches that protect against new threats. Regular updates ensure you benefit from the latest security features and improvements.

Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Messages

Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Hackers often use phishing tactics to trick users into giving away personal information or installing malware.

Review Privacy and Security Settings

Regularly review your WhatsApp privacy and security settings to make sure they are set according to your preferences. Limiting who can see your profile photo, status, and last seen information can reduce your exposure to potential hackers.

Monitor WhatsApp Web Active Sessions

If you use WhatsApp Web, regularly check the list of devices where your WhatsApp account is active. If you notice an unknown device or session, log out from it immediately to prevent potential unauthorized access.

Educate Yourself on Common Hacking Techniques

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself on common hacking techniques, such as phishing scams and social engineering attacks. Phishing emails or messages often try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. By understanding these tactics, you’ll be better equipped to identify and avoid them.

Secure Your Phone

Since WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, securing your phone with a strong lock screen password, fingerprint, or facial recognition can add an additional barrier to hackers.

By implementing these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WhatsApp account being hacked and ensure that your personal information remains protected.

Be on the Lookout for These Scams

Staying vigilant about common WhatsApp scams is crucial to protect your privacy and security. Here are some widespread scams to watch out for:

Verification Code Scam

One of the most common scams involves a hacker attempting to access your WhatsApp account by tricking you into sharing your verification code. They might send a message pretending to be a friend or family member in distress, asking for the code to help them.

The ‘Friend in Need’ Scam

In this scam, a hacker gains control of a contact’s account and then messages their friends or family, pretending to be them and claiming to be in urgent need of money. Always verify through a direct call or different messaging platform before sending money, even if the request seems to come from someone you know.

Fake Job Offers and Lotteries

Scammers often send messages about job offers or lottery winnings that seem too good to be true. These messages typically ask for personal information or a payment to “process” your application or claim your prize. Legitimate companies will not ask for sensitive information or payment in this manner.

Malicious Links and Fake Websites

Be aware of messages that contain links to unfamiliar websites. These links can lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information or infect your device with malware. Always check the URL carefully and ensure it’s a legitimate site before providing any information.

Conclusion

With billions of messages exchanged daily, WhatsApp keeps the world connected. However, like any online platform, it requires vigilance to ensure your privacy and security. By familiarizing yourself with the warning signs of a hacked account and the steps to take for recovery, you’ll be well-equipped to respond quickly if needed.

Stay informed about common scams and cultivate healthy online habits to keep your WhatsApp experience positive and secure.