There is no doubt that WhatsApp has become an essential tool for our daily communication with friends and colleagues worldwide.
With over 2.78 billion active users monthly across 180 countries, WhatsApp is the most popular mobile messaging app, facilitating the exchange of 140 billion messages daily.
However, WhatsApp is also a prime target for hackers and scammers. To protect yourself from potential attacks, it is crucial to understand how WhatsApp hacking occurs.
This article covers how to identify if your WhatsApp account has been hacked, the steps you can take to ensure your account’s security, and the key signs indicating a breach.
How to Know if Your WhatsApp Account is Hacked?
Given its immense popularity, WhatsApp accounts are at a high risk of being targeted for hacking at some point. Hackers may gain access to your account by tricking you into providing verification codes, using spyware, sending malware as attachments, or even cloning your phone number or WhatsApp account.
However, these attacks can only succeed if you interact with the hacker in some way—such as clicking on a link, downloading a file, or responding to a message.
Below are the common signs that your WhatsApp account might be compromised:
Unusual Activity
Be cautious if you receive random WhatsApp messages from unknown contacts or from former contacts no longer in your list. Hackers sometimes add contacts to your WhatsApp account. Receiving messages from unknown contacts could indicate unauthorized access to your account.
If you notice sent messages you didn’t write, it’s a strong sign that your WhatsApp account may have been hacked. Likewise, if friends report receiving suspicious messages or phishing links from your account, it confirms a breach.
Hackers with access to others’ WhatsApp accounts tend to send a lot of spam to the contact list. Other suspicious activities may include strange noises during calls.
Hearing unusual sounds while making calls or sending voice notes could indicate spyware on your phone installed without your knowledge.
Receiving Verification Codes
If you receive a text message from WhatsApp containing a verification code that you did not request, it might indicate that someone is attempting to take over your account. Verification codes are required to register a WhatsApp account with your number. Without the six-digit code, no one else can complete the verification process. Never respond to such notifications or share these codes.
Unknown Devices Linked to Your Account
You can easily check if unknown devices are linked to your WhatsApp account by navigating to the app’s settings and selecting “Linked Devices.” If you see devices you don’t recognize alongside the ones you use, it’s a clear sign that your account has been compromised.
Changes to Your Account Information
If you notice any changes to your account details, such as your profile picture, name, or status, it could mean your WhatsApp account has been hacked.
Messages Marked as Read Without Your Interaction
When you open WhatsApp, you typically see notifications for unread messages. If you notice that messages are marked as read without you opening them, it could mean someone else has accessed and read them.
Poor Phone Performance
Malware may have been installed on your phone, either without your notice or by someone gaining physical access to your device. If your phone’s battery drains faster than usual, it might indicate hidden apps running in the background.
When your phone operates at full capacity, it may slow down, crash, or overheat. These are clear signs that something is wrong.
Logged Out of Your Account
In the final stage, a hacker may attempt to take full control of your account. If you suddenly find yourself logged out of WhatsApp and unable to log back in, someone else may have taken over your account.
Delayed or Malfunctioning WhatsApp Features
Experiencing delays, slowdowns, or glitches in WhatsApp could be a sign of an account breach. Unauthorized access by hackers can interfere with the app’s performance.
What to Do If Your WhatsApp Account is Hacked?
If you suspect your WhatsApp account has been hacked, here’s a detailed guide to help you regain control and secure your account:
Log Out of All Devices
The first step is to prevent further unauthorized access by logging out from all devices where your account may be active.
To do this, open WhatsApp on your phone, click the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the screen, and go to “Settings.”
Then, click on “Linked Devices,” where you’ll find a list of all devices currently connected to your account.
Select each device and log out to revoke unauthorized access.
This action forces hackers to re-enter your credentials, buying you time to secure your account.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. Others cannot log in without a secondary code sent to your registered phone number or email.
To enable two-factor authentication, go to Settings, then Account, and click on Two-Step Verification. Set a PIN or enable fingerprint lock for enhanced security. If you already have two-factor authentication enabled, change your PIN immediately.
Report the Breach to WhatsApp
Notify WhatsApp of any suspicious activity through the platform’s Help Center. Open WhatsApp, go to Settings, and then Help. Click on “Help Center,” where you’ll find a green box labeled “Support.” Click it to open the “Contact Us” form. Briefly describe the situation (account breach, unauthorized access, etc.), providing relevant details like the time of the breach or unusual activities noticed.
Scan for Malware
Ensure your phone is safe by scanning it for malware. Download a trusted antivirus or anti-malware app and perform a thorough scan of your device.
Alert Your Contacts
Since you may not fully understand the extent of the breach, it’s crucial to notify your contacts. Send a message explaining the situation, warning them about suspicious messages that might appear to come from you. If you’re unable to log into your account, ask a trusted friend to send the message on your behalf.
Delete Your Account
If you’re sure your account has been hacked, it may be best to delete your WhatsApp account immediately and disconnect all linked devices.
Here’s how to delete your account:
- Open WhatsApp on your smartphone (not via a browser).
- Click the Settings icon, then Account.
- Select “Delete My Account,” enter your mobile number in full international format, and confirm.
- This will delete your chat history, backups on Google Drive or Apple iCloud, and remove you from all WhatsApp groups.
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