How to report a hacked whatsapp account
When WhatsApp Gets Hacked, Here’s What To Do
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications around. What made it so famous was that it was the first mobile app to offer free messaging. It has even overshadowed SMS, as the user doesn’t have to worry about character count anymore. They can type 15 characters or 500 without concerns of split messages. The limit is actually over 65,000 characters, so there is no need to worry there.
Another thing the users don’t have to worry about is the username. WhatsApp doesn’t need it. It connects to your cellphone number, so you’ll appear to the other users under the same name they assigned you in their contacts list.
Unfortunately, hackers can infiltrate your WhatsApp account. When this happens, you may wonder what you can do to get your account back and secure it to prevent future issues. This article explains what to do if your account becomes compromised and helps you protect it in the future.
How to Tell if Your Account is Compromised
One of the key indicators that your WhatsApp account is compromised is seeing contacts that aren’t yours. WhatsApp is so intuitive that it will add your contacts when you log in on a new device. Another sign is, of course, messages that you didn’t send. If you open WhatsApp and see suspicious messages, someone is likely using your account.
Another tell-tale sign of a compromised WhatsApp account is odd communications from the company. For example, you may have received an email about a change on your account. If you’ve received something like this, it’s a good idea to take action immediately.
Lastly, the company may have gotten hacked. This situation is usually a wide-scale attack that compromises users’ data. Unfortunately, there isn’t a great way to detect this type of activity. Regardless, WhatsApp will send you notifications that your account may have gotten compromised.
For more information, here’s how to recognize suspicious activity on WhatsApp.
What To Do If Your WhatsApp Account gets Hacked
Now that you’ve discovered ways to figure out if your account got hacked, it’s time to learn how to take action.
Remember, you’ll want to act quickly to protect your private information and regain control of your account.
Notify Your Contacts
One of the newer scams is hackers asking for a verification code while pretending to be your contact. Due to the nature of WhatsApp’s security features, all you need is a phone number and verification code to log in.
When someone compromises your WhatsApp account, they can send messages to your contacts stating that the company sent a verification code and then gain access to their account. That’s why one of the first things you’ll want to do is send a message to your friends and family, letting them know that you’ve lost access to your account. This action prevents further exploitation of your account and others.
Another reason you’ll want to let your contacts know you have no access to your WhatsApp account is that they may fish for your personal information. From your banking number to your email address, hackers will cleverly attempt to gain as much access to your personal information as possible.
Don’t Logout and Log Back In If You’re Receiving Verification Codes
While this may seem a little odd, one of the methods hackers are using is verification codes to lock you out so they can gain access. This action works because WhatsApp only allows so many verification codes to get sent at a time. When the hacker uses all of your attempts, you’ll have to wait 12 hours to receive another one. But, the hacker is more prepared than you are, so they’ll get the codes and log into your account. They are effectively locking you out.
If you receive multiple WhatsApp texts with verification codes, it’s best to ignore them. Continue to use your WhatsApp account as you usually would.
Things to Know for the Future
Regardless of horror stories about hacking, you can prevent many hacker attacks from occurring in the first place. In most cases, people unknowingly give hackers access to their devices when they open an infected message or some other piece of content sent from a suspicious source.
If you ever receive a message from an unknown number or a suspicious link, be sure to avoid opening it. The same goes for app installations. You should block all installations from unknown sources. The Play Store has an option that allows you to do this.
Public and unsecured networks are another thing you should use with care. Users should avoid public networks because they’re often unsafe.
If all else fails, it’s best to lock WhatsApp on your phone with an app locker or just deactivate your WhatsApp account.
Let Others Know
If you find out you’ve been hacked before someone asks you about strange activity from your account, be sure to tell them and post it on as many social networks as you possibly can. Also, don’t forget to report the issue to WhatsApp, as they will most likely help you take further action.
When all is said and done, you probably shouldn’t worry too much. In all likelihood, you aren’t the main target of these attacks, at least if you’re not giving away too much information on social media.
Try to share less and just focus on the social aspect of these apps. Also, don’t forget to take preventive action, such as locking WhatsApp, just for the sake of security.
Hacked WhatsApp FAQs
Can a hacker see my messages?
No. According to WhatsApp, all messages are stored on your device and not in a cloud service. Even though messages get stored on your device, they are protected by end-to-end encryption. If someone does gain unlawful access to your account, they won’t see any of your previous conversations.
How do I know if my WhatsApp account got hacked?
First, check if your battery life has dropped significantly. If so, this may be a sign.
See if the amount of internet data used up by your phone has increased for seemingly no reason. If so, there’s a chance you got hacked, even if it’s with another app.
As you probably already know, your phone’s temperature increases if it’s under increased pressure. However, if you’re not using any large, resource-heavy apps, at least at the moment, and your phone heats up regardless, you should consider spyware the possible suspect.
What else can I do if my WhatsApp account gets hacked?
Besides notifying friends and family of the hack and staying logged in to WhatsApp when receiving activation codes, it is a good idea to disable WhatsApp Web.
There’s an option labeled “Log out of all computers” that you should use. The feature also has a list of the devices where you last used your account so you can see if you don’t recognize any. The only problem with this method is that it gets based on the server you’re connected to, and VPNs also send the wrong location information. Regardless, location details can be a surefire sign of an unauthorized user in your account, mainly when you verify where you’ve logged in based on what your device sends in the way of information.
App lockers are an additional consideration, helping you lock any app on your smartphone. This way, hackers will have to unlock your phone before further attacking it.
There are also lockers specifically intended for WhatsApp.
Last but not least, try enabling two-step verification in the Account settings for an additional layer of protection.
I need more help. Is there a phone number I can call to contact WhatsApp?
Perhaps you aren’t tech-savvy, or the hacker dealt a massive blow to your account. Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not have a phone number you can call (similar to many online platforms today). But, if you do need more help, use the WhatsApp Contact Us page to report any issues you’re having and receive assistance from the support team.
My WhatsApp Hacked? Here's What You Should Know
Whatsapp’s current popularity is possible as it was the first mobile application to offer free messaging to all of its users. This attracted a lot of users to register their mobile numbers on Whatsapp without needing any other information and make signing up a seamless process. They have also added a lot of features over the years that the users love to use and also inspired other messaging platforms to add to their interface.
With so many people using Whatsapp, it has also become a target for some hackers to hack into other people’s Whatsapp accounts. We understand how big of a nightmare it is if your account has been compromised. So we will share with you how you can check if your account has been hacked and what the next steps will be.
Part 1: How to know if you've been hacked?
Being hacked is a scary thing and a great violation of your privacy. However, if you want to determine whether you have been hacked, there will be tell-tale signs that will give you a suspicion that your account is hacked.
One sign that could be an indicator that you have been hacked is that you notice that your app is performing unusually. Unusual in the sense that you have been receiving a lot of alerts about password changes or any authentication requests when you know that you did not change anything on your app.
Another sign is that you notice new contacts that have been added to your list without your knowledge.
For Whatsapp, it will add contacts once you sign in to a new device so if you have contacts that are unknown to you, there is a possibility that you have been hacked.
You can also check the messages that you have sent. If you see any message that you are sure you did not send, then there is a possibility your Whatsapp account is hacked.
Part 2: What should I do if my WhatsApp account has been hacked?
After checking your contacts, and messages, and getting a lot of notifications from Whatsapp, you are then sure that your Whatsapp account is hacked. We will share with you the next steps that you should do if you have been hacked.
- Option 1: Reset Your Password
Make sure that as soon as you figure out that you have been hacked, immediately change the password to your Whatsapp. This will at least give you the security that they will not be able to access your account.
- Option 2: Do Not Log Out and Log Back In
Hackers try to access your account by sending you verification codes so you can get locked out of your account.
So when you receive the notification about the verification codes, it will be best to just ignore them and not log out at all.
- Option 3: Inform your contacts
Once you have determined that you have been hacked, inform your contacts about it as hackers will try to reach out to your contacts and ask for the verification code for their accounts which will also lead to them being hacked. Let them know to not entertain any messages from you asking about any code.
Part 3: Tips to prevent your WhatsApp from getting hacked
Once you have determined that you have been or have not been hacked, you should do the needful to prevent any hacking incident to happen to you in the future. There are ways how you can prevent your Whatsapp account from being hacked. We will share them with you so you can be more careful when using your mobile.
- Tip# 1: Do not open any unsuspicious links or messages from contacts that you do not know of.
- Tip# 2: Avoid using public networks if possible as they are deemed unsafe to use.
- Tip# 3: Change your password more frequently if you can.
- Tip# 4: Enable the Two-Factor Authentication on your Whatsapp account for additional security of your account.
- Tip# 5: Do not leave your phone unattended especially if you are out or in a public space.
Part 4: How to transfer WhatsApp data to my new phone securely?
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Conclusion
Being hacked is a scary situation that could happen to anyone. If you have a suspicion that you have been hacked, try all of the tips and suggestions we shared to determine whether you have been hacked.
You have to also make sure that you have taken the necessary safety precautions on your side such as changing your passwords or enabling the “Two-Factor Authentication” in Whatsapp as an additional layer of security for your account.
Recommended reading: Samsung vs. Apple iPhone: Which Phones Are More Secure and Why?
New Trendings
Any WhatsApp user can have their account taken away. You don't need to be a hacker to do this
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There is a flaw in WhatsApp that allows attackers with zero hacking and programming skills to permanently block any user's account.
They only need to know their phone number and nothing else, and there is no way to protect themselves from potential blocking. WhatsApp developers are in no hurry to fix the problem.
New bug in WhatsApp
Each WhatsApp user can lose their profile at any second with a minimal chance of recovery. According to Forbes, it is simply impossible to protect against this, and the attacker will not even need to hack the gadget - he just needs to know the user's phone number, after which he can initiate the procedure for blocking him without the possibility of re-authorization in the system. nine0005
The ability to deprive anyone of using WhatsApp is a consequence of a giant vulnerability discovered in the messenger by information security specialists Luis Carpintero and Ernesto Pereña (Ernesto Canales Pereña). They notified the developers of WhatsApp about their discovery, but they have not yet released a patch that fixes the breach, thereby leaving 2 billion users at risk of losing their account.
WhatsApp does nothing to protect users from blocking their profile
WhatsApp is the most popular instant messenger in the world. According to Statista.com, in terms of the number of monthly active users as of January 2021, with its more than 2 billion, it was ahead of Facebook Messenger (1.3 billion) and Chinese WeChat (1.21 billion), along with QQ (617 million). WhatsApp has been owned by Facebook since February 2014.
How vulnerability works
Vulnerability in WhatsApp makes it possible to completely block the victim's account and is carried out in two very simple steps, in each of which the perpetrator does not even need hacking or social engineering skills - he will not contact the profile owner at all. nine0005
WhatsApp standard authorization window
At the first stage, an attacker simply needs to install WhatsApp on a smartphone and try to log in using the desired phone number. The messenger will send him an SMS with a confirmation code, and here there is a calculation that the owner of the number will ignore them.
After several such attempts, the application on the attacker's device will report too frequent authorization attempts and allow the next authorization to be made only after 12 hours. At the same time, WhatsApp on the victim’s device will continue to work as before. nine0005
Notification that authorization was not possible due to an excessive number of attempts
In the second step, the attacker registers a new email address and writes a letter to WhatsApp technical support saying that his account was lost or stolen. He asks to turn it off and indicates the number of the victim. WhatsApp can send an automatic email asking you to write the number again, and the attacker will do it.
Letter to WhatsApp technical support requesting blocking
Next, WhatsApp, without making sure that the real owner of the account wrote to technical support, initiates the blocking procedure. After about an hour, the messenger will suddenly stop working on the victim's device - she will see a message that her number is no longer registered in the system.
“It could be because you registered it on another phone. If you haven't done so, verify your phone number to log into your account again," the notification will say. nine0005
WhatsApp response with confirmation of the request
All of this will work even if the user has enabled two-factor authentication. An attempt to request a new code will fail - WhatsApp will allow you to do this only after 12 hours.
Bonus stage and full blocking
If the attacker decides to stop at the second stage, then everything will end up with just the inability of the user to connect to WhatsApp with his number for several hours. After a maximum of 12 hours, the user will be able to regain control over his account and continue working in the messenger exactly until someone wants to repeat the “trick” with the blocking. nine0005
But in fact, there is an additional, third stage, leading to a complete blocking of the account.
In fact, this stage can be the second - the attacker does not have to send a letter to WhatsApp support, he can just wait 12 hours, after which he will again make several attempts to register someone else's number on his phone.
After the third 12-hour blocking, WhatsApp will break, and instead of a timer counting down the time until the next authorization attempt, it will show “-1 second”, moreover, constantly. This is a malfunction in the messenger, which cannot be bypassed. nine0005
A stuck timer on the phones of the victim (left) and the attacker
This picture will be observed both on the hacker's device and on the victim's smartphone, and as a result, no one else will be able to log in to the messenger using this phone number. The only thing left is to try to contact WhatsApp technical support and look for ways to solve the problem.
WhatsApp does not solve the problem
A Forbes article shedding light on a new WhatsApp issue was published on April 10, 2021. By April 13, 2021, the developers have not released an update to fix it and have not set a release date for it. nine0005
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Instead, they are preparing to implement a new privacy policy, according to which the messenger will automatically transfer huge amounts of personal data of users to Facebook for better ad targeting.
This policy was intended to be implemented by WhatsApp on February 8, 2021, but was forced to temporarily abandon this idea due to a flurry of criticism. The new date for its entry into force is May 15, 2021, and all those who are not going to agree with it are in for a very serious punishment. nine0005
In February 2021, CNews wrote that those who disagree with the new WhatsApp privacy policy will no longer be able to send and receive text messages. Developers will leave them only voice calls. Moreover, the profiles of those users who stop using WhatsApp and switch to other messengers are guaranteed to be completely deleted.
WhatsApp other issues
WhatsApp is known not only for the fact that it is used by billions of people, but also for the fact that if it appreciates its users, it is far from always. So, for example, in June 2020, it became known that some phone numbers linked to user profiles in WhatsApp had been in the public domain for a long time and even got into Google search results.
In total, with the help of Google, it was possible to find up to a number of about 300 thousand users of the messenger, and this problem was of a global nature. nine0005
WhatsApp is still in first place in terms of the number of users
In November 2019, CNews reported that WhatsApp users were automatically permanently banned for participating in harmless group chats. It turned out to be possible to fall under sanctions for changing the name of the chat to something that would seem to the moderators of the service as something sinister, illegal or malicious.
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IT industry support nine0005
At the same time, WhatsApp was in no hurry to fix this failure. The employees of the messenger responded to all requests from the victims about the reasons for blocking that the users themselves violated the rules of the service, and the fault in blocking lies solely with them..png)
As a result, people had to either change their phone number to register a new profile, or go to other services - Telegram, Viber, Signal and others.
- How much does 2,000 GB object storage cost today? Offers of dozens of suppliers - on the IT marketplace Market.CNews
Elyas Kasmi
WhatsApp vulnerabilities and how to protect yourself from being hacked
Hello.
Pavel Durov needs to be thanked for this topic, as he uses every chance to kick his direct competitor in the face of WhatsApp. This time, Pavel burst out with a lengthy message that WhatsApp is insecure (once again) and can be broken.
Let's give a translation of what Durov said:
Hackers could have full access (!) to everything on the phones of WhatsApp users. nine0005
This is made possible by a security issue that WhatsApp itself reported last week. All the hacker had to do to gain access to your phone was send you a malicious video or start a WhatsApp video call with you.
You're probably thinking, "Yeah, but if I update WhatsApp to the latest version, I'll be safe, right"?
Not really.
The exact same WhatsApp security issue was discovered in 2018, then another in 2019year and another one in 2020 (click on each year's link to see the corresponding vulnerability). And yes, in 2017 before that. Until 2016, WhatsApp had no encryption at all.
Every year we hear about a problem in WhatsApp that puts all users' devices at risk. This means that there is almost certainly a new security breach already in place. Such problems are hardly accidental - they are laid down by backdoors. If one backdoor is found and needs to be removed, another is added (read Why WhatsApp will never be secure to see why). nine0005
It doesn't matter if you're the richest person on earth - if you have WhatsApp installed on your phone, all your data from every app on your device is available, as Jeff Bezos found out in 2020. That's why I deleted whatsapp from my years old device.
Installing it creates a door to enter your phone.
I don't push people to switch to Telegram. With 700+ million active users and 2 million daily registrations, Telegram does not need any additional promotion. You can use any messaging app you like, but stay away from WhatsApp - it's been a snooping tool for 13 years. nine0005
Durov has been creating the image of a fighter for privacy for many years, which sometimes looks funny. But the claims against WhatsApp are quite justified, since the company is really trying to collect as much data about you and your actions, in addition to this, “accidentally” there are security holes that allow you to steal user data. And here it doesn’t matter if it was done on purpose or by accident, the fact is that you can be hacked.
As in any horror story, there is a certain distortion in Durov's words, you cannot get full access to all your data via WhatsApp. Go to app permissions and see exactly what WhatsApp can do. nine0005
By and large, it can steal your contacts, as well as photos and videos, plus all the documents that you store on your device.
On iOS, the situation is about the same, there are no differences. For example, installing unknown applications from this application is prohibited by default for everyone (on iOS there is no such option at all). So you can feel relatively safe, not to worry that applications unknown to you will appear.
But downplaying the problem and dismissing it is also not worth it, access to your data is an unpleasant moment. And here the question arises, how much do you need WhatsApp and how to put up with the fact that it is full of holes. The same Telegram was not caught on vulnerabilities, a couple of times competitors made formidable accusations, but they could not back them up with something significant. Like, they just know that they are there too. In theory, of course, there are, in practice we do not know about them. nine0005
The easiest way is to limit the permissions of WhatsApp, but then the application will be inapplicable in practice, this way looks like pure masochism, then it’s easier to refuse it altogether.
By the way, in Russia, the popularity of WhatsApp has long declined, it is used out of habit by a fairly small group of people, Old Believers, who are not inclined to exchange for something new. If you look at the application traffic, it will become clear that WhatsApp is kept for show, since the cat cried traffic, the main communication goes to Telegram. nine0005
We conducted a survey in our Telegram channel about what messengers you use (yes, it's funny - to poll in Telegram what messenger you have), but many people have a bunch of Telegram and WhatsApp.
Poll can be found here I have exactly the same bundle, only WhatsApp is on the second device, where there is absolutely nothing, and at the same time it is transferred to the protected KNOX folder. In Samsung, this is a phone within a phone, where the permissions for applications are exactly the same, but they do not have access to the main memory. That is, in fact, this is not just my second phone, but also another protected zone inside it, from which WhatsApp cannot escape, and at the same time access my files.
At the same time, I see notifications as usual, I do not miss messages. nine0005
Perhaps you don’t have a Samsung smartphone, then you will have to get out of the situation somehow differently, for example, start the same WhatsApp on the second phone (if you have something to hide, then most likely there will be money for a second phone) .
Most people habitually shrug off security and are ready to share their photos with those who wish, and so, they say, there is nothing like that. In principle, the way it is, we do not hide any secrets in photos and videos, but the very idea that someone can delve into my memories or work files is unpleasant to me. nine0005
The biggest annoyance is not remote hacking of your WhatsApp, the probability of this event is minimal. Usually, data is leaked from your phone when someone gains access to it. Turn on the app lock with your fingerprint, it will help you avoid the curiosity of strangers who somehow managed to take your phone without your knowledge.
