WhatsApp Hacking

Last updated on December 1, 2020

If the hackers get a chance to access your device for a moment, they can control over your account via ‘WhatsApp Web’ using WhatsApp QR code
Access to the backup files of your device.
Use of Wi-Fi network with WhatsApp Sniffer
Using Third-party Spyware

Getting a WhatsApp call from an unknown number may be a sign that your account is compromised (hacked). You don’t even need to pick up the call for it. (‘The Sun’ newspaper, 15th May 2019)
Phone warms up unusually
Phone battery gets low very quickly when mobile data or Wi-Fi is on
Change of your account information
Messages that you did not send, are sent to your contacts and unknown people.
Unread messages appear to be read and new or deleted messages may be there.
Difference in the list of contacts

If you still have the access to your account,
* Disable ‘WhatsApp Web’

Open Whatsapp on your phone,
Tap on the 3 vertical dots on the top right
Then tap on ‘WhatsApp Web’, a new window will open with a list of last used devices.
Select ‘Log out from all devices’

If you cannot access your account,

* Contact WhatsApp

Visit https://www.whatsapp.com/contact/
Click ‘contact us’ in ‘WhatsApp Messenger Support’
Type the relevant WhatsApp Number
Select the type of the device
Click ‘Send Question’ button and follow on screen instructions to pass your message clearly.

How to secure your WhatsApp account?

Upgrade the latest version
Stop using Public or Free Wi-Fi access points
Never give anyone the access to your phone
Do not install anything from unknown sources (other than Playstore / Appstore) unless you make sure they do not RAT (Remote Access Trojan) your phone
Lockup all your apps using an App locker, that requires a code to access.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (what is Two-factor authentication?)
Open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.