Here's how you can prevent WhatsApp hacking

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WhatsApp hacking has increased in South Africa over the last few years.

With the mobile application being one of the most used social media platforms, hackers often prey on several accounts for different reasons, some of which include extortion.

ARE ONLINE SCAMS ONE OF SA’S BIGGEST PROBLEMS?

The global trend has not spared South Africa, with several users, especially celebrities and public figures, being the most targeted.

According to recent data, WhatsApp is the most used social media platform in South Africa, with around 28.8 million users.

The social media’s popularity has made it a playing ground for criminals – through hacking. Some of the numerous scams that have been popularised by WhatsApp hacking include:

Bogus Investment Scams
Retrieving personal or banking information
Extortions
Impersonation

Reports have it that many criminals opt for unauthorised versions of WhatsApp that offer ever-changing updates that constantly expose information to third parties.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN PREVENT WHATSAPP HACKING

Several mobile networks worldwide have been rolling out educational campaigns to prevent WhatsApp hacking and safeguard privacy in response to several incidents.

Back home, MTN hasn’t been spared from the global initiative.

MTN has conducted several awareness campaigns recently and shared insights on how WhatsApp users can protect themselves from criminals who target them by hacking their accounts.

The mobile operator urged users to:

DOWNLOAD WHATSAPP FROM AUTHORISED MOBILE STORES

Use the official authorised application from trusted mobile stores. WhatsApp users were also urged to turn on the two-step verification to add more protection.

USE TWO-STEP VERIFICATION

The two-step verification, which requires a PIN, always makes it hard for someone to access your account without the PIN.

AVOID CLICKING SUSPICIOUS LINKS

MTN also urged WhatsApp users to desist from clicking suspicious links and messages. The mobile operator said, “Do not click on suspicious links or download files from unknown sources.”

DON’T SHARE YOUR 6-DIGIT VERIFICATION CODE

MTN also urged users not to share their 6-digit verification code since it can be used to access their accounts.

DON’T SHARE SENSITIVE INFORMATION WHILE ON PUBLIC WIFI

Users were also urged to avoid sharing sensitive information or transactions using public Wifi.

“Avoid accessing WhatsApp or entering sensitive information while connected to unsecured networks,” MTN said.