With over a billion users, a suspicious WhatsApp message could be a gateway for a scam targeting you directly. While the app has become the world’s most popular messaging platform, its popularity has also attracted hackers and scammers who use it to prey on unsuspecting victims.
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Thankfully, WhatsApp has built-in security features, and with a few smart adjustments, you can significantly boost your protection. Protecting your account is simple and starts with understanding the tools at your disposal.
🔒 Enabling Critical Security Features
Your first step should be to enable two-step verification. This is arguably the most important security setting in WhatsApp. Found under Settings > Account > Two-step verification, this feature requires a six-digit PIN when you register your phone number with the app again. This prevents someone from activating your WhatsApp account on a new phone, even if they manage to steal your SIM card. Additionally, while WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted by default, you can enable security notifications. Go to Settings > Account > Security and turn on ‘Show security notifications on this phone’ to be alerted if a contact’s security code changes.
👀 Controlling Your Profile and Privacy
Managing who can see your personal information is key to avoiding scams. In Settings > Account > Privacy, you can control who sees your ‘Last seen’, profile photo, and status. For maximum privacy, you might consider setting these to ‘My Contacts’ or even ‘Nobody’. This prevents strangers who may have gotten your number from tracking your activity or learning more about you. Be very cautious of messages from unknown numbers. Scammers often use phishing tactics to trick you into adding them as a contact or clicking on a malicious link. If you receive a suspicious message, block the number immediately.
Papercut Limited. Online Security For Beginners – 22nd Edition. 2025.
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