WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with over two billion users.
However, this also makes it a target for hackers who want to access your personal information, impersonate you, or send spam messages to your contacts.
If you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, you need to act fast to secure your account and protect your privacy. Here are the steps you should follow:
#1. Verify your phone number
The first thing you should do is verify your phone number with WhatsApp. This will log out the hacker from your account and prevent them from using it.
To do this, open WhatsApp on your phone and enter the 6-digit code that you receive via SMS. If you don’t receive the code, request a phone call instead.
If you have enabled two-step verification, you will also need to enter the PIN that you set up. If you don’t know the PIN, you will have to wait for 7 days before you can sign in without it.
#2. Log out of all devices
The next thing you should do is to log out of all the devices that are linked to your WhatsApp account.
This will ensure that no one can access your account through WhatsApp Web or WhatsApp Desktop.
To do this, open WhatsApp on your phone and tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
Then, tap Linked Devices and look for any suspicious devices that are accessing your account.
Tap on the device that you want to remove and hit Log out. You can also log out of all devices at once by tapping Log out from all devices.
#3. Change your password and PIN
The third thing you should do is change your password and PIN for your WhatsApp account.
This will prevent the hacker from regaining access to your account by using your old credentials.
To do this, open WhatsApp on your phone and go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
Then, tap Change PIN and enter a new 6-digit PIN that you can remember. You can also add an email address that will help you reset your PIN in case you forget it.
After that, go to Settings > Account > Change number and follow the instructions to change your phone number. You will need to verify your new number with a code that you receive via SMS or phone call.
#4. Notify your contacts
The last thing you should do is notify your contacts that your WhatsApp account has been hacked.
This will alert them to ignore any suspicious messages that they may have received from your account.
You can also ask them to report your account as hacked by tapping on your profile picture and then tapping Report contact.
This will help WhatsApp to take action against the hacker and prevent them from harming other users.
Where to Report a Hacked WhatsApp Account?
Raise a Ticket to WhatsApp Support
Send an email to WhatsApp at support@whatsapp.com to report the loss or theft.
Detail the incident in the email and include “Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account” in both the subject and body of the email. Additionally, provide the mobile number registered with the WhatsApp account.
Report cybercrime to the Authorities
You can file a complaint to the cyber cell police of your district regarding the hacking of your WhatsApp account. It is an offense under the Information Technology Act to hack any device or account of anyone.
You can also use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to report crimes related to women, children, and other online crimes like financial fraud, ransomware, etc.
You can either call the helpline number 155260 or visit the portal online and follow the instructions to register your complaint.
How can I stop my WhatsApp being hacked?
#1. Enable two-step verification on your WhatsApp account
This is a feature that adds an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN when you register your phone number with WhatsApp. You can enable it in Settings > Account > Two-step verification.
#2. Use a strong password and PIN for your phone and WhatsApp account
Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords or PINs, such as your birthday, name, or phone number. You can also use a password manager app to generate and store secure passwords for you.
#3. Beware of phishing links and messages from unknown contacts
These are attempts to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sharing your personal information, such as your verification code, bank details, or passwords.
Do not click on any suspicious links or reply to any messages that ask for your verification code or other sensitive information.
#4. Do not share your verification code with anyone
This is the 6-digit code that WhatsApp sends you via SMS when you register your phone number with the app. If you share this code with someone else, they can access your WhatsApp account and impersonate you.
If you receive a verification code without requesting it, someone might be trying to register your number. Do not share the code with anyone, even if they claim to be your friend or family.
#5. Log out of WhatsApp Web and other devices
WhatsApp Web allows you to use WhatsApp on your computer or tablet. However, if you forget to log out, someone else might be able to access your account from that device.
To log out of WhatsApp Web, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop on your phone and tap Log out from all devices. You can also see a list of devices where your WhatsApp account is currently active.
#6. Update your app and phone regularly
WhatsApp and your phone’s operating system often release updates that fix bugs and improve security.
Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp and your phone’s software to protect your account from hackers. You can check for updates in the app store or in your phone’s settings.
