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Recent reports suggest a significant rise in WhatsApp hacking incidents. This includes everything from large-scale data scraping to sophisticated, targeted account hijacking.
WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption helps keep message content secure. But experts suggest that hackers mostly use techniques like social engineering, ghost pairing, and spyware.
Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp and memorize the PIN. This is one of the best techniques to keep WhatsApp safe.
WhatsApp has a security problem, and it's getting worse. Reports indicate a sharp rise in hacking incidents targeting the platform's 2 billion+ users, ranging from mass data scraping operations to sophisticated, targeted account hijacking and AI-powered identity theft.
While WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption effectively secures message content in transit, it was never designed to protect against the methods hackers actually use. Social engineering, ghost pairing, and spyware don't break encryption; they bypass it entirely, exploiting human behavior and device vulnerabilities to seize control of accounts and harvest personal data. The lock on the door means nothing if someone tricks you into handing over the key.
There are several ways to safeguard WhatsApp. Given below are some of the best tips to keep the social media account safe:
Enable two-step verification in WhatsApp and memorize the PIN. Please note that a PIN is not a one-time password (OTP). In order to activate this, users need to go to settings, account, and then two-step verification.
Do not share the PIN or one-time registration codes with anyone. No one asks for these details other than fraudsters or scammers.
WhatsApp has also introduced support for passkeys. This feature can be enabled by going to settings, account, and users can get their passkeys.
Users should log in to their accounts with biometric authentication instead of PIN codes. This enables the smartphone to store a long cryptographic key. This is a very safe option. However, it is not very convenient if the device is changed frequently or switches between Android and iOS.
Create a backup email address for account recovery. For this, users need to go to settings, account, and then add the email address.
Try not to fall victim to SIM swapping scams. Contact the mobile carrier if one becomes the victim of such a scam. It is advisable to meet the company representative in person. Verify that no duplicate SIM cards have been issued for the same number.
Also read: How Hackers Are Targeting WhatsApp and Signal in 2026
Apart from the above-mentioned safety tips, there are other ways to keep WhatsApp safe.
Keep WhatsApp locked. It is better to use a fingerprint lock.
Avoid clicking on random links from unknown sources.
Spread awareness about WhatsApp hacking among family and friends.
Keep WhatsApp updated. Keep a constant check for any viruses or malware.
WhatsApp is one of the most used social media apps in the modern tech-driven world. It is one of the most widely used social media platforms, used every day. From sharing texts to attending professional work, the platform is used by many for different purposes. Thus, it is important to keep the account safe. Losing any form of data could pose a threat to data safety.
Also read: 6 Signs Your Data is at Risk With AI-Powered Hacks
What is WhatsApp?
Ans: WhatsApp is a free, widely used mobile messaging app (owned by Meta) that uses an internet connection to send encrypted text messages, documents, images, and videos, and to make voice/video calls globally.
What is WhatsApp mostly used for?
Ans: WhatsApp is a messaging application. It can also be associated with a social network/social media platform.
What is the downside of WhatsApp?
Ans: WhatsApp messages are usually encrypted, but the app still collects metadata. This includes your contact information, usage pattern, and profile information.
Is WhatsApp 100% private?
Ans: No, WhatsApp isn't 100% private because Meta (Facebook) collects some user metadata. The social media app does have end-to-end encryption, but it is still not 100 % private.
Can people on WhatsApp see your phone number?
Ans: WhatsApp uses your phone number as your unique identifier, and by default, only your contacts and groups can see it. But if you want more privacy, you can adjust settings to hide it from non-contacts or specific people by changing your ‘About’ information.
