WhatsApp Account Hacked? These 4 Security Settings Can Help Keep Scammers Away
WhatsApp Account Hacked? These 4 Security Settings Can Help Keep Scammers Away Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 15:41 IST Know how to secure
WhatsApp Account Hacked? These 4 Security Settings Can Help Keep Scammers Away Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 15:41 IST Know how to secure your WhatsApp account with passkeys, two-step verification, recovery email and biometric lock to stay safe from online scams. WhatsApp security feature WhatsApp Security Feature: For millions of people, WhatsApp is more than just a messaging app. It is used to exchange work files, make business deals, send payments and store years of personal conversations. As more sensitive information moves to the platform, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting WhatsApp users through account takeover scams. The issue has once again come into focus after two prominent political leaders reportedly became victims of WhatsApp hacking. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC recently said that fraudsters gained access to her account and sent messages to people in her contact list, asking them to transfer Rs 49,000 with the assurance that the money would be returned within a few hours. Days before that, BJP MP Sambit Patra also reported that his WhatsApp account had been compromised. According to reports, scammers contacted people from his account and sought Rs 55,000, pretending the request had come from him. Security researchers say such incidents rarely involve hackers breaking WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Instead, attackers exploit human behaviour. They often rely on phishing links, fake customer care calls, SIM swapping and stolen verification codes to gain access to accounts. Fake Usernames Could Be The Next Big Scam WhatsApp has started rolling out usernames, allowing users to connect without revealing their phone numbers.
While the feature improves privacy, experts believe it could also create fresh opportunities for online fraud. Scammers can create usernames that closely resemble genuine individuals, businesses or organisations. By changing a letter, adding a number or inserting extra characters, fake profiles can appear convincing enough to fool unsuspecting users. Experts recommend verifying the identity of anyone who contacts you through an unfamiliar username, particularly if they ask for money, personal details or verification codes. If in doubt, confirm the person’s identity through another trusted method before responding. Four WhatsApp Security Features Every User Should Enable 1. Switch To Passkeys Passkeys replace traditional SMS-based verification with your phone’s built-in authentication system, including Face ID, Touch ID or fingerprint recognition. Since passkeys remain linked to your device instead of a password or one-time code, they are significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to steal through phishing or other online scams. 2. Add A Recovery Email WhatsApp now allows users to connect a verified email address to their account. This acts as an additional recovery option if you lose access to your SIM card, change your phone number or cannot receive SMS verification codes while travelling. Experts also recommend protecting your email with a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication, as it becomes an important recovery channel. 3. Turn On Two-Step Verification Another important safeguard is WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature. Once activated, users must enter a si digit PIN whenever their phone number is registered on another device. Even if criminals obtain the SMS verification code, they cannot complete the login process without this additional PIN.
The BriefWire