NCCIA suggest security measures to avoid WhatsApp hacking

LAHORE: The National Cybercrime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) has issued an advisory for WhatsApp users, urging them to take immediate action if they lose access to their account or suspect unauthorized use.

In a release issued here, the NCCIA outlined the steps to follow in case of a suspected hack. Users are advised to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, and then enter their phone number to log in. A six-digit verification code will be sent via SMS, which should be entered immediately.

The agency explained that once the code is entered, WhatsApp will automatically log out from the hacker’s device, as the application can only be active on one mobile phone at a time. Users were advised not to panic if WhatsApp asks them to wait for seven days, which may happen if the hacker has enabled the two-step verification feature and the PIN is unknown.

The NCCIA clarified that in such cases, users should remain calm, as entering the SMS verification code already logs out the hacker. During the seven-day waiting period, no one can access the account or read messages.