How Can Hackers Hack Your WhatsApp Online? & How to Protect?

WhatsApp has become a crucial part of people's daily lives, helping them to communicate with their loved ones across the globe. However, millions of users on the platform globally share sensitive information like messages, videos, contacts, and even financial information. This makes WhatsApp a lucrative target for hackers.

Despite end-to-end encryption and other privacy measures, hackers can hack WhatsApp online. They use walkarounds such as malware/viruses, spy apps, and stolen login details. Besides, many tools claim to hack WhatsApp accounts in a few steps.

To protect your privacy and personal information, you can understand the hacking methods to secure your WhatsApp account. For example, phishing is a common way to hack, so make sure not to click any spam links. This detailed guide discusses common hacking methods and how to stay safe in detail. So continue reading!

Part 1: Common Methods Hackers Use to Hack WhatsApp Online

Hackers have plenty of tricks in their pockets to deceive you and get their hands on your Whatsapp accounts. Here are a few common ways to look out for:

1.1: Phishing Attacks

Cyber attackers and hackers typically use smishing or SMS phishing to hack a Whatsapp account online. This technique uses instant messaging apps and even text messages to deceive the victim. What makes these attacks even scarier is that the hackers pose as trusted contacts and entities and slide in spam messages within existing conversations, so many won’t realize when they’re being scammed.

Often, these messages ask you to act immediately or contain links to scam websites. For example, cybercriminals send you a message pretending to be legitimate companies and claim that you’ve won a lottery or a prize. Then, they ask you to click the link to claim the supposed prize. However, it leads you to a fraudulent website that requests personal information, bank details, etc. Any data you provide throws you into a scammer’s trap.   

1.2: Social Engineering

Social engineering encompasses many scams and attacks that aim to manipulate the target into sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, verification codes, or passwords. To hack Whatsapp online, the hackers register your number on another device, request a verification code, and trick you into sharing it and accessing your account.

These hackers might pose as WhatsApp tech support or others and offer help by requesting sensitive information such as 6-digit WhatsApp codes or credit card numbers. If you provide the details, they’ll access your WhatsApp account, chats, and personal details.

1.3: Exploiting WhatsApp Web

Another popular way to hack WhatsApp and its chat history online is through WhatsApp’s web version. To access the web version, you must scan a QR code on the browser page. Hackers replace the QR code with a fake code, which compromises your account and personal details if you scan with a WhatsApp or phone camera.

1.4: Spyware and Malware

Hackers can also use spyware and malware to hack WhatsApp chat history online for free. The most common way users infect their devices with these is by clicking on malicious links, accessing or downloading email attachments, or installing third-party apps on the target device. Once installed, the spyware records the victim’s messages and sends them to the hacker. Hackers have access to everything, be it messages, statuses, audio, videos, photos, or others.

Part 2: How to ‘Hack’ Someone's WhatsApp Messages Legally?

Although hacking WhatsApp means breaching a person's privacy, it isn’t legal unless done for safety. For example, parents wish to monitor their kids’ WhatsApp online activities, to ensure their digital safety and keep them away from cyberbullying, online predators, and inappropriate content is legal.

Parents can take measures preemptively with help of WhatsApp tracker - FamiGuard for WhatsApp, when required by keeping an eye on kids’ online interactions.

How Can FamiGuard for WhatsApp 'Hack' WhatsApp Online Legally?

Step 1: Create/Sign in your account and pick the suitable subscription plan to unlock all FamiGuard for WhatsApp features.

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Step 2: Log in to FamiGuard website, click on your profile in the upper-right of the screen, enter the Member Center, find FamiGuard for WhatsApp on the page of My Product, and click Start Monitoring.

You'll enter a web control panel, click on the "Add A New Device" button, choose the device type fo the target device to be monitored, and there will be instructions of how to set up this app on different devices.

Follow the accordingly instructions to download this appon the individual's  phone.

After  installation finished, click Verify Setup to bind the individual's phone to your online FamiGuard account.

Step 3: After completing all the above steps, you will be brought to a web control panel and can monitor the messages of on WhatsApp online.

What Else Can FamiGuard for WhatsApp Do?

• Record WhatsApp calls: You can know who your child is talking with and the content of conversation.
• Screenshot of view-once: You can remotely take screenshot of WhatsApp view-once.
• View WhatsApp photos online: Parents can check WhatsApp photos online and secretly.
• Listen to aodio messages: FamiGuard for WhatsApp helps you to lisen to all voice messages in real-time.

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Part 3: How to Protect Your WhatsApp Account from Online Hacks

There’s a popular saying — prevention is better than cure. It means here that it’s better to protect your account from online hacks than act on it later when things go sideways. So, here are the ways to do that:

3.1: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

The top answer to how to protect your WhatsApp account is to enable two-factor authentication. As you set it up, you are required to input the six-digit PIN every time you access the app. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top-right corner. Then, tap on Account > Two-step verification > Turn ON.

Step 2: Enter your preferred 6-digit PIN and re-enter it to confirm. Once done, provide the email address you can access if you forget your PIN or skip it if you don’t want to input it.

Step 3: Tap on Done or Save as you confirm the email address.  

This additional layer of security potentially lessens the chances of hacking WhatsApp online, even if the hacker obtains the verification code sent by WhatsApp.  

3.2: Avoid Phishing Links

Vigilance is also an answer to how to protect your WhatsApp online to avoid falling into the hands of a cybercriminal. You must refrain from clicking on suspicious links, downloading attachments, or installing apps from unknown sources. Verifying the legitimacy of the links and messages lets you stay safe from inadvertent exposure to malware.

3.3: Keep Your App and Device Updated

Keeping an eye on and promptly installing WhatsApp updates is crucial to protect your WhatsApp account. Updates not only remove any bugs or glitches from the app or introduce new features but also address potential vulnerabilities. It makes it even harder for hackers to hack WhatsApp online, potentially keeping your personal information safe and secure.

3.4: Use a Secure Network

On unsecured networks, especially public WiFi, hackers engage in man-in-the-middle attacks. Here, they try to intercept the communication between your device and WhatsApp servers or inject malicious data.

Using a secure network like a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be an answer to how to protect WhatsApp from hackers, especially if you’re connected to public WiFi. A VPN encrypts and channels your internet traffic through a secure pathway to an intermediary server. It makes it difficult for the hackers to access your account. Other than that, it’s best to use your private WiFi when connected to WhatsApp.

Part 4: What to Do If Your WhatsApp Account Has Been Hacked

If your WhatsApp account has been hacked, it’s important to act quickly to regain control and secure your account. Check for the “Linked Devices” and remove the unknown device. If it doesn’t work, be wary of any strange or suspicious activities, such as receiving unsolicited or strange messages or calls from unknown contacts. If there are any, chances are your WhatsApp account is hacked. So, here are a few things you can do:  

4.1: Recovering Your Account

Even if you didn’t find any device linked and still continue to experience the issue, then follow the steps to recover your WhatsApp account after hacking:

Step 1: Log out of your WhatsApp messenger and log in again with your phone number.

Step 2: You’ll receive a six-digit code on your phone via call or SMS. You can manually enter the code or let WhatsApp detect it automatically.

Step 3: This logs you into your account and logs out the hacker automatically.

Step 4: If the app asks you to put in a six-digit PIN, the hacker must have enabled 2-layer encryption if you didn’t set it up. If you don’t have the code, wait a week before you can sign in without a 2-step verification code.

As the hacker logs out from the account, they can no longer chat with your contacts or access your personal information.

4.2: Notify Your Contacts

If you suspect WhatsApp is compromised, you must inform your contacts about a potential hack so they’ll stay alert and not share any private information with the hacker. Hackers often impersonate you and ask your contacts to send you money. You can share a warning broadcast message with your contacts or upload a warning to your WhatsApp status.

4.3: Monitor Your Account for Unusual Activity

Detecting unauthorized access to your WhatsApp is possible when you keep a tab on any unusual activity. Look out for the following indicators to detect and recover hacked WhatsApp account:

• Unexpected Calls or Messages: Your account might be hacked if your account receives any calls or messages you can’t recognize or initiate.
• Unknown Contacts: Browse through your list of WhatsApp contacts to detect any numbers you didn’t add.
• Changes in Account Settings: If you notice any changes in the account, such as status, profile picture, or privacy settings, it could be a sign of unauthorized access.
• Delayed WhatsApp Functionality: If you experience lags, delays, or disruptions in your WhatsApp application, your account is likely compromised.
• Strange Pop-ups or Permissions: While using the app, pay attention to any unusual permission requests or pop-up messages. Legitimate apps don’t ask for that, which might be a red flag for a hacked account.
• Use Monitoring Tools: If none of the above-mentioned criteria ticks and you still suspect hacking or unauthorized access, try using monitoring tools and setting up alerts. This way, you’ll receive alerts whenever someone accesses your account and initiates a chat with your contacts.

4.4: Change Passwords for Linked Accounts

Another way to recover a hacked WhatsApp account is to change the password/PIN for the linked accounts. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Open your WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner.

Step 2: Access the “Settings” followed by the “Account.”

Step 3: Tap on the “Two-step verification.”

Step 4: On the newly opened window, tap “Change PIN.” Enter a new 6-digit PIN, then confirm it by re-entering it. It changes the PIN of your WhatsApp account, and the hacker no longer has access to it.

FAQs about Hacking WhatsApp Online

1. Can hackers hack WhatsApp online without physical access?

Yes, hackers can hack WhatsApp online without physical access in many ways. These include phishing attacks, social engineering, malware, and exploiting WhatsApp's web.

2. What should I do if I suspect someone is trying to hack my WhatsApp account?

If you suspect your WhatsApp account is being hacked, protect it with a 2-way authentication. It adds an additional security layer and prevents hackers from accessing your account.

4. Is it safe to use WhatsApp on public Wi-Fi?

Although WhatsApp is secured by 2-way encryption, public WiFi is generally unsecured, so hackers can insert malware into your device or take over your active web session and access the information you’re typing or viewing. So, it isn’t recommended to use WhatsApp on public WiFi, and in case of an emergency, you can use a VPN.

5. How can I check if someone elseis logged into my WhatsApp?

Access the Settings tab and choose Linked Devices. This page lists the devices logged into your WhatsApp account. Check for unknown devices, and if there are any, tap them and select Log Out.  

Can I recover the hacked WhatsApp chat history?

Yes, you can recover your WhatsApp chat history if you have a Google Account Backup. It works even if your WhatsApp is hacked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with hackers employing new methods to hack WhatsApp online easily, you must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By understanding the attack methods, you can stay proactive and use measures like two-factor authentication, updating the app, and others to significantly mitigate the risk of falling victim to hackers.

If you are a parent looking to keep your child safe from the dangers of cyberbullying, accessing inappropriate content, and other threats, FamiGuard for WhatsApp is a great option. It lets you monitor your kids’ WhatsApp content without being detected.

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