How to cheat whatsapp

WhatsApp Security Hacks: Are Your 'Private' Messages Really Ever Private?

WhatsApp one of the largest instant messengers and considered by many a social network of its own. So, in continuing our app safety discussion, we’re diving into some of the top security hacks and questions many WhatsApp app users and parents may have.

But first, what’s a security hack? In short, it’s an attempt to exploit the weaknesses in an app, network, or digital service to gain unauthorized access, usually for some illicit purpose. Here are just some of the concerns WhatsApp users may have and some suggestions on boosting security.

WhatsApp Hack FAQ

Are WhatsApp conversations private?

Yes — but there are exceptions. More than any other app, WhatsApp offers greater privacy thanks to end-to-end encryption that scrambles messages to ensure only you and the person you’re communicating with can read your messages or listen to your calls. Here’s the catch: WhatsApp messages (which include videos and photos) are vulnerable before they are encrypted and after they are decrypted if a hacker has managed to drop spyware on the phone. Spyware attacks on WhatsApp have already occurred. Safe Family Tip: No conversation shared between devices is ever 100% private. To increase your WhatsApp security, keep sensitive conversations and content offline, and keep your app updated.

Can anyone read my deleted WhatsApp messages?

A WhatsApp user can access his or her own deleted messages via the chat backup function that automatically backs up all of your messages at 2 a.m. every day. WhatsApp users can delete a message by using the Delete for Everyone button within an hour after sending though it’s not foolproof. Here’s the catch: Anyone who receives the message before it’s deleted can take a screenshot of it. So, there’s no way to ensure regrettable content isn’t captured, archived, or shared. There are also third-party apps that will recall deleted messages shared by others. Another possibility is that a hacker can access old chats stored in an app user’s cloud. Safe Family Tip: Think carefully about sharing messages or content you may regret later.

Can WhatsApp messages be deleted permanently?

Even if a WhatsApp user decides to delete a message, it’s no guarantee of privacy since conversations are two-way, and the person on the receiving end may screenshot or save a copy of a chat, video, or photo. On the security side, you may delete a message and see it disappear, but WhatsApp still retains a “forensic trace of the chat” that can be used by hackers for mining data, according to reports. Safe Family Tip: For extra security, turn off backups in WhatsApp’s Settings.

How can I secure my WhatsApp?

It’s crucial when using WhatsApp (or any other app) to be aware of common scams, including malware, catfishing, job and money scams, spyware, and file jacking. To amplify security, turn on Security Notifications in Settings, which will send an alert if, for some reason, your security code changes. Other ways to boost security: Use two-step verification, never share your 6-digit SMS verification code, disable cloud back up, and set your profile to private. Safe Family Tip: Install comprehensive family security software and secure physical access to your phone or laptop with a facial, fingerprint, or a passcode ID. Don’t open (block, report) messages from strangers or spammers. Never share personal information with people you don’t know.

How do I delete my WhatsApp account from another phone?

To delete a WhatsApp account go to > Settings > Account > Delete My Account. Deleting your account erases message history, removes you from groups, and deletes your backup data. According to WhatsApp, for users moving from one type of phone to another, such as from an iPhone to an Android, and keeping the same phone number, your account information stays intact, but you won’t be able to migrate messages across platforms. If you’re not keeping your number, you should delete WhatsApp from your old phone, download WhatsApp to your new phone, and verify your new phone number. Upgrading the same phone type will likely include options to migrate messages. Safe Family Tip: Before you give away or exchange an old phone, wipe it clean of all your data.

How do you know your WhatsApp is scanned?

WhatsApp users can easily sync devices by downloading the WhatsApp web app and activating it (Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop). Devices sync by scanning a QR code that appears on your laptop screen. You know your device is scanned when you see the green chat screen appear on your desktop. Safe Family Tip: It’s possible for a person with physical access to your desktop to scan your QR code and to gain account access. If you think someone has access to your account log out of all your active web sessions in WhatsApp on your mobile phone.

How long are WhatsApp messages stored?

According to WhatsApp, once a user’s messages are delivered, they are deleted from WhatsApp servers. This includes chats, photos, videos, voice messages, and files. Messages can still be stored on each individual’s device. Safe Family Tip: The moment you send any content online, it’s out of your control. The person or group on the receiving end can still store it on their device or to their cloud service. Never send risky content.

How secure is WhatsApp?

There’s no doubt, end-to-end encryption makes it much more difficult for hackers to read WhatsApp messages. While WhatsApp is more secure than other messaging apps — but not 100% secure.

Is it true that WhatsApp has been hacked?

Yes. Several times and in various ways. No app, service, or network has proven to be unhackable. Safe Family Tip: Assume that any digital platform is vulnerable. Maximize privacy settings, never share risky content, financial information, or personal data.

Is WhatsApp safe to send pictures?

Encryption ensures that a transmission is secure, but that doesn’t mean WhatsApp content is safe or that human behavior is predictable. People (even trusted friends) can share private content. People can also illegally attempt to gain access to any content you’ve shared. This makes WhatsApp (along with other digital sharing channels) unsafe for exchanging sensitive information or photos. Safe Family Tip: Nothing on the internet is private. Never send or receive pictures that may jeopardize your privacy, reputation, or digital footprint.

WhatsApp isn’t the only popular app with security loopholes hackers exploit. Every app or network connected to the internet is at risk for some type of cyberattack. We hope this post sparks family discussions that help your kids use this and other apps wisely and helps keep your family’s privacy and safety online top of mind.

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Hackers steal WhatsApp accounts using call forwarding trick

There’s a trick that allows attackers to hijack a victim’s WhatsApp account and gain access to personal messages and contact list.

The method relies on the mobile carriers’ automated service to forward calls to a different phone number, and WhatsApp’s option to send a one-time password (OTP) verification code via voice call.

The MMI code trick

Rahul Sasi, the founder and CEO of digital risk protection company CloudSEK, posted some details about the method saying that it is used to hack WhatsApp account.

BleepingComputer tested and found that the method works, albeit with some caveats that a sufficiently skilled attacker could overcome.

It takes just a few minutes for the attacker to take over the WhatsApp account of a victim, but they need to know the target’s phone number and be prepared do some social engineering.

Sasi says that an attacker first needs to convince the victim to make a call to a number that starts with a Man Machine Interface (MMI) code that the mobile carrier set up to enable call forwarding.

Depending on the carrier, a different MMI code can forward all calls to a terminal to a different number or just when the line is busy or there is no reception.

These codes start with a star (*) or a hash (#) symbol. They are easily found and from the research we did, all major mobile network operators support them.

“First, you receive a call from the attacker who will convince you to make a call to the following number **67* or *405*. Within a few minutes, your WhatsApp would be logged out, and the attackers would get complete control of your account” - Rahul Sasi

The researcher explains that the 10 digit number belongs to the attacker and the MMI code in front of it tells the mobile carrier to forward all calls to the phone number specified after it when the victim’s line is busy.

Once they tricked the victim into forwarding calls to their number, the attacker starts the the WhatsApp registration process on their device, choosing the option to receive the OTP via voice call.

WhatsApp options for receiving one-time password, source: BleepingComputer

After they get the OTP code, the attacker can register the victim’s WhatsApp account on their device and enable two-factor authentication (2FA), which prevents legitimate owners from regaining access.

Some caveats

Although the method seems simple, getting it to work requires a little more effort, as BleepingComputer found during testing.

First off, the attacker needs to make sure that they use an MMI code that forwards all calls, regardless of the victim device’s state (unconditionally). For example, if the MMI only forwards calls when a line is busy, call waiting may cause the hijack to fail.

During testing, BleepingComputer noticed that the target device also received text messages informing that WhatsApp is being registered on another device.

Users may miss this warning if the attacker also turns to social engineering and engages the target in a phone call just long enough to receive the WhatsApp OTP code over voice.

BleepingComputer · OTP message from WhatsApp

If call forwarding has already been activated on the victim device, the attacker must use a different phone number than the one used for the redirection - a small inconvenience that might require more social engineering.

The most clear clue of suspicious activity for the target user occurs after the mobile operators turn on call forwarding for their device, since activation comes with a warning overlayed on the screen that doesn't go away until the user confirms it.

Mobile carriers warn users when call forwarding becomes active, source: BleepingComputer

Even with this highly visible warning, threat actors still have a good chance of success because most users are not familiar with the MMI codes or the mobile phone settings that disable call forwarding.

Despite these obstacles, malicious actors with good social engineering skills can devise a scenario that allows them to keep the victim busy on the phone until they get the OTP code for registering the victim WhatsApp account on their device.

BleepingComputer has tested this method using mobile services from Verizon and Vodafone and concluded that an attacker with a plausible scenario is likely to hijack WhatsApp accounts.

Sasi's post refers to Airtel and Jio mobile carriers, each with more than 400 million customers as of December 2020, according to public data.

Protecting against this type attack is as easy as turning on two-factor authentication protection in WhatsApp. This feature prevents malicious actors from getting control of the account by requiring a PIN whenever you register a phone with the messaging app.

How to bypass blocking in WhatsApp and contact any user

03/11/2021

Author: CHIP

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How to bypass whatsapp block and contact anyone

If someone has blocked you on WhatsApp, you will no longer be able to send them messages. However, emergencies can be bypassed with simple tricks. Let's talk about the options available.

If one of your contacts has blocked you on WhatsApp, you will no longer see their profile picture and your messages will not be delivered to that user. There are also other signs that you have been blacklisted. We wrote more about this in a separate article.

Tips

How to find out who blocked you on whatsapp

Whatsapp: bypass blocking in older versions

Until recently, it was still possible to contact contacts who blocked a user with a simple trick. All you had to do was create a new WhatsApp group, add the person blocking you to it, and one more contact. After that, you can send messages as usual.

However, this loophole has been closed in new WhatsApp updates - now when you block contacts, you will not receive their messages in groups. But if you still have the old version of WhatsApp, you can test this way.

WhatsApp: bypass blocking users in new versions

Although the “bypass” through WhatsApp groups has been fixed, you can still outwit blocking in the application. All you have to do is change your phone number in WhatsApp. But be careful: if you change it too often on the same smartphone, you may have to wait longer for the activation code, and in extreme cases, your account will be temporarily blocked.

If you still decide on this method, then here's how you can turn everything around:

Open WhatsApp and select the "Settings" - "Account" entry. Click on "Change number".
Enter a new mobile phone number. However, please note that you will have to enter a verification code that WhatsApp will send to it. So it's important to have access to a new phone, not to invent one.
Once you log into WhatsApp, you can contact the person who is blocking you again.

Alternatively, you can create a brand new WhatsApp account with a new SIM card, or write to a contact via a friend's mobile phone.

See also:

New WhatsApp privacy policy: will personal data be leaked?
How to password protect WhatsApp and hide your chats from prying eyes

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CHIP

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If you are blocked on WhatsApp: how to unblock

A diamond in a vacuum slowly turns into graphite, but this can take millions of years. Much faster and more often there is an account blocking in WhatsApp. So, communication important for the user may be interrupted, processes related to work or study will stop.

Is it possible to avoid a ban? How to unblock your WhatsApp profile and restore access to your messenger account after a ban? How to understand that your interlocutor has blacklisted your phone number? Let's look at the answers to these questions and tips on how to bypass blocking in the application in the article.

The account was blocked in WhatsApp: types of blocking

To unblock the profile and continue using this messenger, first try to determine the type of blocking. There are the following options:

Temporary blocking will last from one day to 48 hours. Such a ban is usually applied if too many messages are sent from the account to unknown users who are not in the contact list. Or they are engaged with increased activity in the creation of mailings through WhatsApp. Also, an account can be temporarily blocked if there are a lot of complaints from subscribers or it is often banned in personal chats. Another reason for blocking is to sit in WhatsApp as in a messenger, but use third-party applications for this. In this case, you may suddenly find out that my number is blocked.

A permanent ban means that the user has lost access to the account forever if he cannot prove to the WA support team that he is right in this situation and became a victim of an error. You can get such a block for violating the rules of the WhatsApp application, for actions in the form of sending messages using ads and spam, prohibited content.

Blocking by a specific person. The WhatsApp application itself may have nothing to do with it if the user decides to block someone's profile for an inappropriate comment in a message or for another reason.

For what reasons can a WhatsApp account be blocked

Popular reasons for blocking you need to find out so that your profile is not blocked because of them. Try this:

Do not send messages to people whose contacts are not in your phone's address book.

Do not bulk send to a large number of users if you do not use a business account in the official WhatsApp Business API application using the Wazzup service.

Try to build communication with clients in such a way that the person is interested. Or so that users themselves initiate a chat conversation, and your profile would not receive complaints and spam flags from them, after which you will have to think about how to unlock your account.

Do not create multiple groups with new members (not from your contact list). For this, the service may block the profile.

Do not try to send many messages to people whose geolocation is different from yours, if we talk about different countries.

You must not violate the WA rules. Using the messenger, you cannot promote goods and services defined by law.

Not be absent from the application for more than six months. They can also get banned for this.

Do not communicate on behalf of another user.

If you encounter a block for the first time, then most likely the ban will end automatically, and you will restore your account in a day when it is unblocked. For a repeated violation, the system may block access to WhatsApp for two to three days. If such warnings do not work, it is unlikely that you will be able to use this profile - it will be blocked forever.

What to do to unblock WhatsApp when temporarily blocked

WhatsApp notices hacked accounts and those used through third-party versions of the messenger, so the service can block such numbers. It happens that a profile gets banned for up to two days due to some kind of system error.

In fact, the blocking of WhatsApp (in this case it should be temporary) will help to bypass a simple way - to wait for the ban time to pass. As a rule, it is from 24 to 72 hours.

You can unblock your WhatsApp account like this:

if you use a third-party program for which you were blocked, you will have to delete it, but before that, do not forget to back up your data;

download from Google Play (for Android) or from the App Store (for iOS) and install the official version of the application on your smartphone;

please wait 48 hours before trying to register again;

try changing the dynamic (non-permanent) IP address: to do this, disconnect the gadget from the operator's network for 10 minutes;

don't forget to restore the data you backed up.

How to bypass the block if it is permanent

If moderators have permanently blocked your account, you have the opportunity to write to them at [email protected]. You must provide the phone number that was associated with your account, device specifications, and a description of the problem. Ask to restore your account. If specialists check the information and realize that an error has occurred, then the support service will help you regain access to the popular messenger.

What to do if blocked, but technical support did not help? Use another loophole:

You can try to reinstall the messenger. Delete the program from the device and download again. Make sure you back up your data first so you don't lose it.

Reset the settings to factory settings, and then reinstall the WhatsApp application on your phone and log in to it.

Create a new account with a completely different number.

It happens that all these methods do not work, because WhatsApp determines the blocked number by the IP address of the phone. A radical method will help here - change the device and the SIM card.

What to do if someone added your number to the blacklist

Finding yourself on the blacklist of another user is not so difficult:

are not happy, and the SMS will not reach the addressee. But this is an indirect sign, because one tick can be when one of the interlocutors has problems with the Internet.
Instead of an account avatar, you have a system splash screen.
You cannot see the current status of the person who blocked you.
Calling from the black list, alas, will not work either.

If, nevertheless, you are serious and eager to write to someone who has blocked you, you can change your phone number while you are logging out of the WhatsApp system. To do this:

Log in to the application.
Click on the three dots on the top right and select "Settings".
Learn more