WhatsApp: beware of this dreadful hacker technique to steal your account

Carrier-provided codes are used by hackers to forward calls without your knowledge. A little known but formidable technique.

The process is simple but indeed dangerous for WhatsApp users. Hackers are full of techniques to try to achieve their end. The latter rests, like many attacks, on your gullibility. It is relayed by several media including Press Lemon et BleepingComputer.

An unexpected call transfer

One of your contacts sends you an intriguing message: “I’m having trouble with WhatsApp, please dial this number on your phone, I’ll explain later.” His account is actually under the control of a hacker, so you dial, sometimes without realizing it, the number, which is actually a code with hashtags or stars such as “* * #.” These codes are used to forward calls. Unknowingly, you have just activated a call forwarding to the hacker.

The hacker can now ask WhatsApp for a phone call to receive the OTP security code for your account. And as the call transfer is activated, it is the hacker directly who will receive the call and therefore the code. A real trick. From then on, the criminal can get their hands on your WhatsApp account.

What advice ?

The technique is simple but can lead to significant consequences for the user. Moreover, after such an attack, the procedure to disable call forwarding is not within everyone’s reach. One of the best tips for parrying this method is to use multi-factor authentication. WhatsApp allows you to use two of them: email and phone number. A process that complicates the action of a potential pirate.

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