Warning on WhatsApp: New way to steal personal information

WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging services worldwide. The application is used by a large number of users to establish simultaneous communication with their contacts, without geographical restrictions.

Despite many measures taken by Share it To strengthen the privacy and security of users of its siteThe creativity of cybercriminals does not stop at finding new ways to commit fraud with this application.

In this case, Movistar, a mobile service company, It has warned about the latest scam that directly affects users Share it.

The mobile phone company has warned of a sophisticated type of fraud affecting WhatsApp users.

Cybercriminals, using information obtained from stolen databases, They manage to get the phone numbers of the users of the above application.

With these numbers in their possession, they try to install WhatsApp on a different device than the legitimate user.

The mechanism of this fraud develops as follows: First, fraudsters, with the phone number already in hand, They configure the WhatsApp account on another phone.

When you do this, WhatsApp automatically sends a text message to the original number with a verification code, a security step designed to confirm the number's ownership.

It is at this point that cybercriminals come into action, contacting the victim and forcing them to reveal the code.

By receiving the verification code, Scammers complete the installation process on an alternate deviceThis allows complete access to the user's WhatsApp account without their permission.

This fraud pattern highlights the importance of being alert to unusual requests for personal information and verification, underscoring the need to protect sensitive data.

These types of attacks rely heavily on fraudulently obtaining sensitive information such as verification codes.

To protect WhatsApp account and reduce security risks, it is necessary to take several preventive measures. Below are some helpful steps users can take to protect their information and keep their account safe:

• Two-step verification: Enabling this feature adds an extra layer of security. WhatsApp will generate a six-digit PIN that it requests from time to time and try to register the phone number on WhatsApp again. To enable it, go to Settings > Account > Quadratic Verification > Enable.
• Do not share the verification code: Do not share the WhatsApp verification code you receive via SMS with anyone, not even friends or family. This code is unique and allows access to the account.

• Be alert for suspicious messages: Be wary of messages from unknown numbers or messages asking you to share personal information, links or verification codes.
• Update the app regularly: Make sure you have installed the latest version of WhatsApp on your device. Updates often include security patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
• Lock the app: Some devices allow you to lock private apps using a PIN, pattern, or biometric ID. Use this functionality to add an extra layer of security.
• Take precautions with public Wi-Fi connections: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access WhatsApp as they may be less secure and expose your account to risks.

By following these steps and being vigilant, users can effectively protect themselves from hacking attempts and maintain the security of their WhatsApp accounts.