{
  "id": 5772622,
  "title": "How to Avoid WhatsApp Hacking",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/how-to-avoid-whatsapp-hacking",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-05T12:39:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/how-to-avoid-whatsapp-hacking/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that stores sensitive personal data. To keep your account secure, there are several steps you can take. First, enable two-step verification, which requires a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again. Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and do not share it with anyone. Never share your WhatsApp verification code with anyone, even if they claim to be a friend, WhatsApp employee, or someone helping you recover your account. Be cautious of suspicious links and never click on them unless you are sure where they lead. Additionally, regularly check the linked devices connected to your account and log out any unrecognized devices. Protect your phone by using a strong screen lock, PIN, password, or biometric authentication, and avoid leaving your unlocked phone unattended. Keep WhatsApp updated with the latest security patches and avoid downloading unofficial versions of the app. Only download WhatsApp from an official app store or WhatsApp's official website. Be wary of fake WhatsApp applications that promise extra features, as they may contain malware. Be cautious when interacting with strangers, as hackers may use social engineering tactics to extract sensitive information. Verify the identity of the person contacting you before taking any action. Review your privacy settings to limit the amount of personal information visible to others. Be cautious when opening unexpected files and only install applications from trusted sources. If you suspect that your account has been compromised, log out and re-register your phone number using the verification code sent to your phone. Also, check your linked devices and remove any unfamiliar ones.",
  "summary": "Learning how to avoid WhatsApp hacking is important because your WhatsApp account can contain private conversations, photographs, documents, contacts and other personal information. Criminals may attempt to gain access through verification-code scams, fake links, malicious applications or social engineering. WhatsApp provides security features such as two-step verification and recommends keeping…",
  "key_points": [
    "Enable two-step verification with a difficult-to-guess PIN",
    "Never share verification code or linked devices with anyone",
    "Keep WhatsApp updated and avoid unofficial app versions"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}