Whatsapp is the   most popular messaging app world wide with over 2 billion users worldwide. It offers convenience to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. However, this popularity makes it a prey for cyber criminals despite its end-to-end encryption. Clicking    on suspicious links or attachments can result in your Whatsapp account being hacked.

How Whatsapp hacking happens

• Through phishing links attackers send messages that appear to be from trusted contacts or organizations, often with enticing content to prompt immediate action. These links redirect users to fake websites designed to steal personal information such as log in credentials or automatically.
• Through opening suspicious attachments such as photos documents, photos or videos malware can be installed in your device giving attackers control over your Whatsapp account and other personal data. Some attachments contain hidden malware that can operate in the background capturing sensitive information.

Signs your Whatsapp has been hacked  

• New contacts may appear in your Whatsapp contact list without your knowledge, potentially indicating unauthorized activity.
• Hacked accounts may experience alterations in profile information such as display name, status or profile picture without consent.
• If you receive notifications indicating that your account is active on a device you do not recognize it could be a sign of unauthorized access.
• In some cases, you may find yourself locked out of your Whatsapp account unable to log in despite entering the correct credentials
• Increased battery usage without additional usage patterns could indicate background processes including malware activity.

What to do when your Whatsapp is hacked

• Reach out to Whatsapp support team to help report the incident and seek assistance in recovering your account.
• Notify your contacts about the potential compromise and advise them to be cautious of messages from your account.
• Log out of all active Whatsapp sessions and revoke access to any linked devices or web sessions.
• Immediately change your Whatsapp password and any associated account password to prevent further unintended access

How to protect your Whatsapp from being hacked

• Eleanor Everet said safety is not a gadget but a state of mind therefore 100 per cent security is not guaranteed   but you can protect yourself by always reviewing your Whatsapp account to add an extra layer of security by activating two step verification for your Whatsapp account.
• Educate your contacts list about the signs of hacking and encourage them to remain extra vigilant.
• Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking on any link or opening an attachment, equally if a message seems suspicious contact the sender through a different channel to confirms its legitimacy
• Always update yourself about common hacking techniques and on cybersecurity best practices

Thanks for reading this article have a fruitful day, won’t you!!!!