WhatsApp warning over hack that hijacks your account and steals your messages
This sneaky trick could let absolutely anyone gain access to your WhatsApp
WHATSAPP users are being warned over a new hack that can lock you out of your account.
Worse still, hackers could use the trick to get access to your WhatsApp account – as if they were you.
WhatsApp is widely seen as one of the safest messaging apps.
That's despite the fact it's owned by Facebook, which recently admitted to giving hackers complete access to 50million Facebook accounts.
Part of WhatsApp's appeal is that sent messages are encrypted, so they can't be intercepted and snooped upon.
But encryption is useless if hackers gain complete control of your account.
It was first documented by security researchers last year, and then highlighted again by tech site last week, reporting on an alert from Israel's cybersecurity authority.
According to researchers, the attacker only needs your phone number to access your messages.
He added: "If you must use a service that relies on automated voice messages, then set a strong PIN for your voicemail inbox."
You should also consider turning two-factor authentication on for your WhatsApp account.
To do this, go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
We've asked WhatsApp for comment and will update this story with any response.
Have you ever been hacked? Do you know how you were compromised? Let us know in the comments!
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