How to Secure a WhatsApp Account from Hacking?

With the increasing cyber-attack incidents and unauthorized access to personal accounts such as WhatsApp, it has become imperative to prioritize the security of our digital lives. But how to secure a WhatsApp account from hacking?

By implementing some practical security measures and best practices, you can significantly enhance the security of your WhatsApp account, ensuring that your private conversations remain private.

This article will explore seven effective ways to secure your WhatsApp account from hacking and safeguard your personal information from prying eyes.

Table of Contents

Enable Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account by requiring a six-digit PIN code during registration.

To enable two-step verification:

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Select Account and then choose Two-step verification.
Tap on Enable and create a six-digit PIN code.
Optionally, provide an email address to help reset the PIN if you forget it.
Confirm the PIN code and complete the setup.

This feature will protect your account from unauthorized access, even if someone obtains your SIM card or attempts to register your phone number on another device.

Keep WhatsApp Updated

Regularly updating WhatsApp is essential for maintaining a secure account and avoiding the possibility of WhatsApp crashing. Developers frequently release updates that address security vulnerabilities and introduce enhanced security features.

To do this, you can:

Open your device’s app store (e.g., Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).
Search for WhatsApp and check for available updates.
If an update is available, tap Update to install the latest version of WhatsApp.

Beware of Suspicious Messages and Links

Exercise caution when receiving messages or clicking on links, especially from unknown contacts or suspicious sources.

Hackers often use social engineering techniques to trick users into revealing personal information or installing malicious software. Be wary of messages asking for sensitive information or urging immediate action.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links and report any suspicious messages to WhatsApp by selecting the message, tapping on the More option, and choosing Report.

Also Read: How to Add Privacy in WhatsApp

Lock WhatsApp with Biometric Authentication

To add an extra layer of security, consider using biometric authentication such as fingerprint or face recognition to lock your WhatsApp account.

To activate biometric authentication, you follow these steps:

Access your device’s security settings.
Enable biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) if available.
Choose WhatsApp as the app to be locked with biometrics.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Limit Data Backup to Trusted Sources

WhatsApp offers the convenience of automatic cloud backups, but ensuring that your backups are stored securely is important. Limit backups to trusted and encrypted cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud.

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Select Chats and then choose Chat backup.
Use a trusted and encrypted cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud.
Set the backup frequency and select the desired backup quality option (High quality or Original quality), and avoid using unknown or third-party backup services that may compromise the security of your data.

Also Read: How to Backup Data on WhatsApp?

Protect Your Device

Securing your device is crucial for protecting your WhatsApp account. Set a strong device password or PIN, enable encryption, and utilize reputable antivirus software to protect against malware and other threats.

Avoid installing apps from unverified sources, as they may contain malicious code that can compromise your device’s security. Regularly update your device’s operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication for Phone Number Changes

WhatsApp provides an additional security feature to protect your phone number from being transferred to another device without your permission. To enable this:

Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
Select Account and then choose Two-step verification.
Tap on Enable and set up a six-digit PIN code.
Confirm the PIN code and provide an optional email address for PIN reset.
Activate two-factor authentication for phone number changes.

How to Recover a Hacked WhatsApp Account?

If you suspect your WhatsApp account has been hacked, taking immediate action to regain control and protect your privacy is crucial. Follow these steps to recover your hacked WhatsApp account:

1. Reinstall WhatsApp

Uninstall the compromised version of WhatsApp from your device and reinstall it from your device’s app store.

2. Account Verification

Launch the reinstalled WhatsApp and verify your phone number. Follow the prompts to complete the verification process.

3. Enable Two-Step Verification

If you didn’t have two-step verification enabled before, setting it up now is highly recommended.

4. Log Out from All Devices

Once logged in to your recovered account:

Go to WhatsApp’s settings.
Select WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
Choose Log out from all devices.

This ensures that the hacker is disconnected from your account.

5. Inform Your Contacts

Reach out to your contacts and inform them about the hacking incident. Advise them to be cautious of any unusual messages or activities from your account and to disregard any suspicious requests.

6. Report the Incident

Contact WhatsApp support to report the hacking incident. Provide them with relevant details, such as the date and time you suspect the hack occurred. Follow their instructions and cooperate with any additional security measures they may recommend.

Remember, preventing future hacks is essential. Use strong, unique passwords for your WhatsApp account and regularly update your device’s security software. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information to maintain the security of your WhatsApp account.

Also Read: 10 Solutions to Fix WhatsApp Business Not Working and How to Move WhatsApp to New Phone

What’s Next?

Your WhatsApp account holds valuable conversations and personal information that must be protected from hacking attempts. By following the practical steps on how to secure WhatsApp from hacking in this article, you can fortify the security of your WhatsApp account and maintain your privacy.

If you’re a business seeking to elevate your WhatsApp communication and security, explore the WhatsApp API from Mekari Qontak. Secure your WhatsApp account today with Mekari Qontak and ensure your conversations remain confidential and secure.

CLAIM YOUR FREE TRIAL