WhatsApp users have been urged to stay alert as the cybercrime authorities have issued an important warning regarding account security.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has advised WhatsApp users that if they face any difficulty accessing their account or suspect that someone else is using it, they should immediately re-register their account.
According to the advisory issued by the agency, in case of suspected hacking, users should first uninstall WhatsApp and then reinstall it. After reinstalling, they should enter their phone number.
Once this is done, the user will receive a six-digit verification code via SMS, which must be entered immediately.
The agency explained that after entering this code, WhatsApp will automatically log out the hacker from their device, as a WhatsApp account can only be active on one mobile phone at a time.
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If the hacker has enabled two-step verification and the PIN is unknown, WhatsApp may ask the user to wait for seven days. However, users have been advised not to panic during this period.
The advisory further states that once the SMS code is entered, the hacker’s access will be completely blocked, and during this time, the account cannot be used or messages read by the hacker.
NCCIA has strongly advised users to follow these instructions immediately in case of any suspicious activity to avoid possible loss or damage.
