The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines on WhatsApp account security, and steps to take if an account is compromised.
With the rise of cyber threats, NITDA says that both individual users and group admins need to take proactive security measures to protect personal and group data on the social media platform.
What to do if your WhatsApp account Is hacked
If users suspect their WhatsApp accounts have been hacked, NITDA recommends the following actions:
1. Log Out of All Devices: To immediately disconnect any unauthorized devices, users should go to WhatsApp, select Settings, then Linked Devices, and choose Log Out of All Devices.
2. Re-Verify Your Account: Uninstall and reinstall the app, then request a new verification code. This process reclaims control of the account.
3. Enable Two-Step Verification: After regaining access, users should set up two-step verification in WhatsApp’s settings for an extra layer of security.
4. Inform Your Contacts: Let contacts know about the hack and ask them to ignore any suspicious messages.
5. Check for Suspicious Activity: Review chats and messages for unusual activity and report any concerning issues to WhatsApp Support.
6. Contact WhatsApp Support: For users who struggle to regain access or encounter ongoing issues, NITDA advises reaching out to WhatsApp Support.
What Group Admins should do if a member is hacked
To maintain group security, NITDA outlines measures for group admins dealing with a compromised member account:
1. Remove the Hacked Account: Remove the compromised account from the group to prevent unauthorized activity.
2. Alert Group Members: Inform group members about the hack and advise them to ignore any suspicious messages.
3. Contact the Hacked Member: Reach out to the member via other communication channels to notify them of the hack and provide guidance on account recovery.
4. Advise on Account Recovery: Encourage the affected user to utilize WhatsApp’s “Forgot PIN” or “Request Support” features for assistance.
5. Report the Hack to WhatsApp: If necessary, report the hacked account to WhatsApp for further support.
How to protecting your WhatsApp account
NITDA also recommends best practices to prevent hacking attempts:
Enable Two-Step Verification: Set up two-step verification in WhatsApp to add an extra layer of security. Exercise Caution with Links & Files: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown contacts to prevent malware and phishing attacks.
Keep WhatsApp Updated: Regularly update the app to ensure the latest security features are in place. Control Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings to manage who can view your profile photo, status, and last seen.
Never Share Verification Codes: Avoid sharing verification codes, even if requested by someone claiming to be from WhatsApp.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using WhatsApp on unsecured public Wi-Fi, as these networks may expose data to unauthorized access.
NITDA states that following these guidelines will help Nigerians secure their WhatsApp accounts and respond swiftly if they fall victim to hacking attempts. For more information, users can contact NITDA or visit WhatsApp’s official support channels.
Home
