WHATSAPP users are being warned about a dangerous hack that could let cybercriminals access your messages and your contacts.
The cybercrime involves a hacker posing as a friend in order to gain access to a victim’s account.
2
The hacker could then use a victim’s account to launch attacks on other people.
The attack revolves around the six-digit verification code that WhatsApp gives out when you want to regain access to your account.
It also involves a hacker taking control of one of your contact’s WhatsApp accounts and messaging you pretending to be them.
The hacker will message pretending to be your friend around the same time you get a text or email from WhatsApp with a verification code.
2
This code is only given when you try and make changes to your account.
The hacker will pretend that they’ve accidentally asked for the verification code to your number instead of their’s and will ask you to send it over.
You should never share the six-digit code with anyone.
If you do, the hacker will be able to take over your account.
You’ll no longer have access to your account and the hacker can try and scam your friends.
If you do get a suspicious message from a friend, try ringing them to see if you can talk to them in person and verify what is going on.
It’s also advisable to turn on two-step verification so your WhatsApp is also protected by a PIN.
WhatsApp – a quick history
Here’s what you need to know…
- WhatsApp was created in 2009 by computer programmers Brian Acton and Jan Koum – former employees of Yahoo
- It’s one of the most popular messaging services in the world
- Koum came up with the name WhatsApp because it sounded like “what’s up”
- After a number of tweaks the app was released with a messaging component in June 2009, with 250,000 active users
- It was originally free but switched to a paid service to avoid growing too fast. Then in 2016, it became free again for all users
- Facebook bought WhatsApp Inc in February 2014 for $19.3billion (£14.64bn)
- The app is particularly popular because all messages are encrypted during transit, shutting out snoopers
- As of 2020, WhatsApp has over 2billion users globally
WhatsApp adds new SHOPPING button that lets you buy food or clothes from virtual stores
MAIL FAIL
Hotmail down: Why does Outlook keep asking for my password?
APPLE JUICE
We reveal if YOU need to buy new £20 plug before upgrading to the latest iPhone
I-PHONEYS
How to spot fake Apple ID and iTunes scam emails – and what to do if you get one
I-SNOOP
Look out for this orange dot on your iPhone – someone is listening in
SEX SELLS
Surprise Pornhub Black Friday deal offers watchers LIFETIME membership for £150
ELEVENTH HEAVEN
iPhone 11 Black Friday 2020: Live Offers
In other news, Facebook has been accused of continuing to spread antisemitism.
Android users have been urged to steer clear of a dodgy app with 100million downloads on the Google Play Store.
And, Apple has slashed the cut it takes from App Store earnings by half – for smaller firms.
Have you spotted any tech scams recently? Let us know in the comments…
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at [email protected]
This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
