A novel system is being implemented by criminals throughout the world, this with the aim of stealing WhatsApp accounts that belong to millions of users. The crooks are using a hole in the authentication system that corresponds to the application, with this they can hijack the account and easily fool the victim’s contacts. For this reason, the phones that have been corrupted have multiplied over time.
As soon as a person passes another mobile phone, this in turn will transfer their WhatsApp account from the old device to the new one. To carry out this process, the company notifies by means of an SMS a strict authentication code, this in order that you introduce it in the modern equipment and with it you will make sure that the person uses it in each of the accounts. It should be noted that it is a very striking process for attackers who want to steal the account.
The way criminals execute their plan is through the trust that you usually place in people in your circle that you know perfectly, who at no time will demonstrate bad intentions.
The victim of the attack receives a certain message from a known person, be it a family member, a friend, a co-worker, etc. Throughout the message, the notification of an authentication code to the mobile phone, at that moment the criminals take advantage of it and request it to be sent. In general, people would not pay any attention to this kind of message if it came from a stranger, but the question would change radically if it is given by a very close relative.
In general, it is a trap where unfortunately many people tend to fall.
As soon as the victim sends the code, the attacker immediately hijacks your WhatsApp account and will begin to send messages to each of the contacts you have, thereby will be perpetrating and spreading the cyber attack.
In addition to the above, the criminal can generate another class of attacks on your contacts, this can occur through links to improper web pages; or failing that, access your different bank accounts and steal the money you have in them.
To avoid this type of scourge, the most important thing to take into account is: Do not send at any time a code that is requested by WhatsApp, even if requested by a person you trust. In the event that you have doubts, start asking the attacker questions, as this can cause contractions that will reveal the scam.
On the other hand, it is essential that you activate the Whatsapp double check function. It is an action that you can do in “Settings” or “Settings”, specifically in the “Account” section. As soon as this option is activated, an extra code will be requested from another person who wants to use your WhatsApp account on their respective device. In the same way, it will ask you from time to time to place your pin on its device.
Among other security measures that are essential, is to verify where the WhatsApp web session is started and finalize those where they are not being used.
Thanks to these and feasible procedures you can avoid the theft of your WhatsApp account, thus ensuring that your device is not vulnerable to the constant attacks carried out by cybercriminals
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