In this 21st century, WhatsApp has become more than just a messaging app. It has evolved to become a part and parcel of both the young and old for personal communications, business negotiations, contract deals, medium for learning and other academic activities.
Contents
1. Turn on two‑step verification
2. Guard against suspicious links and messages
3. Lock your app with biometrics and passkeys
4. Review linked devices
5. Keep the App and phone updated
6. Protect your privacy
However, it’s a known fact that technology has both merits and demerits. While WhatsApp has made our communication faster and easier on one hand, it has become a channel through which our personal data is breached on another hand, thereby giving hackers the opportunity to infiltrate accounts, steal identities, and access private information.
In this article, Tribune Online highlights the ways WhatsApp users can protect their accounts from hackers
1. Turn on two‑step verification
Two‑Step Verification (2SV) is the most important defense for your WhatsApp account. Once it’s enabled, it requires a s PIN in addition to the usual SMS verification when setting up WhatsApp on a new device.
Even if a hacker obtains your phone number, this extra layer prevents unauthorized access.
To activate it: navigate to Settings, then Account, and select Two‑Step Verification.
2. Guard against suspicious links and messages
Hackers often disguise malicious links as free gifts, fake job offers, or prize-winning notifications. Clicking these links can itrick you into revealing personal details.
It’s very important to always exercise caution and avoid clicking links from unknown or suspicious contacts, even if they appear to come from someone you know.
3. Lock your app with biometrics and passkeys
WhatsApp now supports advanced protection tools such as biometric locks using fingerprints or face recognition, and passkeys that secure your account even if your phone is accessed.
If you activate these features, it ensures that only you can open the app which provides an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
To do this:
Go to Settings, then Privacy, and enable Screen Lock. Passkeys, when available, can also be set in Account settings.
4. Review linked devices
WhatsApp Web and desktop sessions remain logged in unless manually signed out. If a hacker gains access, they can secretly monitor your messages. Regularly check linked devices through Settings and log out of any you do not recognize to prevent unwanted access.
5. Keep the App and phone updated
Hackers often exploit old vulnerabilities in outdated software. WhatsApp developers regularly release updates to fix security gaps, and your phone’s operating system is no exception.
Always download your WhatsApp from official sources like Google Play Store or Apple App Store to avoid issues that “touches.”
6. Protect your privacy
Even with technical safeguards, sharing too much personal information can expose you to attacks, where hackers manipulate details from your profile.
For your safety , you could adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your last seen, profile picture, and status. This could be accessible by only your trusted contacts.