How to Stop Spying and Secure Your WhatsApp Account

WhatsApp users are increasingly targeted by hackers, scammers, and spyware developers utilizing malware, impersonation, and phishing tactics. With nearly 3 billion users, the platform has become a primary target for cyber threats that aim to hijack accounts and steal private data.

The most critical defense against account hijacking is the activation of two-step verification (2FA). This feature adds a second layer of security by requiring a 6-digit PIN in addition to the standard SMS verification code.

Without 2FA, attackers who successfully trick a user into revealing their SMS registration code can hijack the account. When 2FA is enabled, hackers are locked out of the account even if they have obtained the user’s phone number and SMS code.

To enable this security layer, users must navigate to Settings, then Account, select Two-step verification, and choose Enable. After setting a 6-digit PIN, WhatsApp recommends adding a recovery email to ensure account access is not lost.

Managing Profile Privacy to Prevent Impersonation

Beyond account access, scammers often use public profile information to track user behavior or conduct impersonation attacks. Limiting what strangers can see reduces the amount of data available for these tactics.

Users can secure their digital footprint by adjusting the following privacy settings:

• Last Seen and Online status: Set to My Contacts or Nobody.
• Profile Photo: Set to My Contacts.
• About information: Set to My Contacts.
• Status updates: Set to My Contacts Except… to further restrict visibility.

Controlling these visibility settings prevents strangers from accessing personal details that could be used to build a profile for a targeted scam.

Blocking Group-Based Scams

Another common vulnerability is the ability for anyone to add a user to a group chat. This represents frequently exploited by scam rings to push misinformation, spam, or fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

By blocking random group invites, users can prevent themselves from being added to these malicious groups without their consent, reducing exposure to phishing links and social engineering attempts.

Device-Level Security and App Protections

Security for WhatsApp extends beyond the app’s internal settings and integrates with the security features of the smartphone itself. Device-level protections provide an additional barrier against unauthorized physical access to the app.

According to the WhatsApp Help Center, users can protect their accounts using device security settings such as:

• Passkeys and passwords.
• Fingerprint unlock.
• Face unlock.
• Screen locks.

In addition to device locks, WhatsApp offers several optional features designed to add layers of protection to specific interactions and data.

These features include chat lock, which secures specific conversations, and app lock for general entry. For sensitive information, the view once messages feature ensures that content is not permanently stored on the recipient’s device. Other protections include encrypted backups and status privacy settings.