Tips to prevent your WhatsApp account being hacked

South Africans have been placed on excessive alert after Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abraham’s WhatsApp has been hacked.

While WhatsApp has tried to enhance safety by 2-factor authentication and end-to-end encryption, hackers can nonetheless get into your messages by getting round these protections. 

The South African Police Service have launched a listing of indicators that your account could have been hacked so you’ll be able to spot it early sufficient. 

However, in case you’re actually involved about safety it could be higher to use a messaging service that has a greater monitor document and does not retailer knowledge like Signal. 

Log out of all gadgets

When you log into WhatsApp net on a pc it stays logged in until you deliberately log off. 

This implies that if a pc you are logged into is stolen or hacked the third occasion can see updates of your messages as they arrive by on WhatsApp net. 

Do not go away your telephone unattended

Although it’s laborious to imagine this ever occurs, particularly in South Africa, it’s suggested you by no means go away your telephone unattended as it’s then vulnerable to being tampered with with out your data. 

Enable 2-step authentication

This is a giant new addition to WhatsApp and is fairly useful. You will not be requested to do it each time you login to WhatsApp, solely at random intervals however this may cease a hacker from being ready to have a look at your messages for very lengthy after they’ve accessed your account. 

To allow 2FA on WhatsApp, go to settings, account after which Two-Step Verification. 

Lock WhatsApp 

If you desire a third (or is it fourth at this level?) layer of safety, take into account downloading an Applock app which can enable you to lock apps with one other password requirement earlier than the app will efficiently open. 

• In case, your WhatsApp is already hacked, deactivate your account by emailing at [email protected] Your account can be mechanically deleted if not accessed for 30 days. 

If your WhatsApp is hacked

In case, your WhatsApp is already hacked, deactivate your account by emailing  [email protected] concerning the breach. Your account can be mechanically deleted if not accessed for 30 days.