WhatsApp has become an important part of our daily lives. We use it to communicate with family, friends, customers, colleagues and business partners. Many people also use WhatsApp to send documents, receive business orders, discuss financial transactions and store important personal information.
Unfortunately, this also makes WhatsApp accounts attractive targets for scammers and cybercriminals.
You may have seen messages such as:
“Please send me the code that was mistakenly sent to your phone.”
“Your WhatsApp account will be suspended unless you verify it.”
“Vote for my daughter in this competition.”
“I urgently need money. I will pay you back later.”
Some of these messages are designed to trick users into giving criminals access to their accounts.
The good news is that WhatsApp provides several security features that can significantly reduce the risk of account takeover when they are properly configured.
In this Cyberhub ICT guide, you will learn practical steps you can take to protect your WhatsApp account.
1. Never Share Your WhatsApp Verification Code
One of the most important rules of WhatsApp security is simple:
Never give your WhatsApp registration code to anyone.
When someone tries to register your phone number on another device, WhatsApp may send a six-digit registration code to your phone.
That code proves that you own the phone number.
WhatsApp specifically advises users never to share their registration code or two-step verification password with anyone.
A scammer may contact you pretending that the code was sent to you accidentally.
For example:
“Sorry, I entered your number by mistake. Please send me the six-digit code you just received.”
Do not send it.
The person may actually be attempting to register your WhatsApp account on their device.
WhatsApp will never require you to send your verification code to another WhatsApp user.
2. Turn On Two-Step Verification
Two-step verification provides an additional security layer beyond the normal registration process.
WhatsApp is upgrading its older six-digit two-step verification PIN system to stronger password-based protection. The newer system can use additional authentication methods such as a password or verified email address.
Open:
WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Two-step verification
Follow the instructions to enable the protection available on your account.
When creating a password, avoid obvious choices such as your name, birthday, phone number or commonly used passwords.
A stronger password combines letters, numbers and special characters and should not be reused on other accounts
3. Add and Verify Your Email Address
Adding an email address to WhatsApp gives you another way to secure and recover your account.
Go to:
WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Email Address
Enter an email address that only you control and complete the verification process.
WhatsApp says a verified email address can provide an additional recovery option and help with two-step verification.
Make sure the email account itself has a strong password and two-factor authentication.
Protecting WhatsApp while leaving your email unsecured defeats part of the purpose.
4. Set Up a WhatsApp Passkey
Passkeys provide another powerful security option.
Instead of depending only on passwords or SMS codes, a passkey can use your device’s:
Fingerprint, Face ID/face recognition or screen-lock authentication.
According to WhatsApp, passkeys are cryptographically secured and linked to your device’s security system.
To check whether the feature is available:
WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Passkeys
Then select Create passkey and follow the instructions.
WhatsApp announced in August 2026 that more than one billion people were already using passkeys on the platform.
This is one security feature worth enabling.
5. Regularly Check Your Linked Devices
One method criminals use to spy on victims is secretly linking another computer or device to their WhatsApp account.
This can happen when someone gains temporary access to your unlocked phone or convinces you to scan a fraudulent QR code.
Check periodically by opening:
WhatsApp → Linked devices
Look carefully at every computer, browser or device listed.
If you see something you don’t recognize, select it and choose:
Log out.
WhatsApp recommends regularly checking linked devices and removing devices you no longer recognize or use.
Never scan a WhatsApp QR code simply because somebody sends it to you.
6. Enable Your Phone’s Screen Lock and WhatsApp App Lock
Your WhatsApp account can still be compromised if someone has physical access to your unlocked phone.
Protect the phone itself with a secure:
PIN, password, fingerprint or facial recognition system.
You should also consider enabling WhatsApp’s own App Lock where supported.
WhatsApp provides biometric or password-based app-lock options on supported mobile and desktop devices.
This creates another barrier between an unauthorized person and your conversations.
7. Be Suspicious of Strange Links
Many WhatsApp scams begin with a simple link.
You may receive messages claiming:
“Congratulations! You have won ₦500,000.”
“Apply for this government grant now.”
“Your bank account will be blocked.”
“Click here to receive free 10GB data.”
“Vote for me in this competition.”
The link may lead to a fake website designed to steal your passwords, banking information or personal details.
Before clicking, examine the message carefully.
Be particularly cautious when the message creates unnecessary urgency.
A legitimate organization should not require you to surrender passwords, OTPs or WhatsApp verification codes through random links.
8. Beware of Messages From Friends Asking for Money
One particularly effective scam occurs after criminals take over someone’s WhatsApp account.
The scammer then contacts the victim’s friends and relatives saying something like:
“Please send me ₦50,000 urgently. I will explain later.”
Because the message comes from someone you know, you might believe it.
Whenever someone unexpectedly requests money through WhatsApp, especially with unusual urgency, verify the request through another method.
Call the person directly using a number you already know.
Do not rely entirely on the WhatsApp conversation.
9. Don’t Trust a Profile Picture Alone
Seeing someone’s photograph on a WhatsApp account does not prove that the account belongs to them.
Scammers can copy publicly available photographs, names and descriptions.
They may create an account that looks almost identical to someone you know.
If a new number suddenly claims to be your boss, relative, pastor, friend or business partner, verify the person’s identity before sending money or sensitive information.
10. Keep WhatsApp Updated
Security vulnerabilities are regularly discovered in apps and operating systems.
Developers release updates that can fix security weaknesses and other technical problems.
Always keep WhatsApp updated through official sources such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
The same applies to your Android or iPhone operating system.
Running very old software may expose you to vulnerabilities that have already been fixed in newer versions.
11. Avoid Unofficial WhatsApp Applications
Applications offering features such as enhanced customization, hidden online status or unusual messaging functions can be tempting.
However, unofficial versions of WhatsApp may introduce serious security and privacy risks.
WhatsApp warns that unofficial apps and websites cannot have their security and privacy practices validated and may compromise accounts or even result in temporary or permanent account restrictions.
Install WhatsApp only from trusted official sources.
12. Protect Your SIM Card
Your WhatsApp account is closely connected to your phone number, so protecting your SIM is important.
A criminal who successfully takes control of your mobile number through SIM-swap fraud may attempt to receive authentication codes intended for you.
Consider enabling your mobile network’s SIM-security options where available.
If your phone suddenly loses network service unexpectedly and remains disconnected while other phones on the same network work normally, contact your mobile network provider.
Also protect your phone’s lock screen so somebody cannot simply remove your SIM or read SMS verification messages.
13. Silence Suspicious Unknown Calls
Scammers sometimes use repeated WhatsApp calls to pressure users, gather information or convince them to perform certain actions.
WhatsApp provides privacy tools for managing unknown callers.
Go to your WhatsApp privacy settings and review the available call controls.
In 2026, WhatsApp also introduced additional context for unknown callers on Android, including information such as whether the caller’s number is from another country or whether you share groups with them.
Treat unexpected calls requesting codes, money or personal information with caution.
14. Consider Strict Account Settings for Extra Protection
WhatsApp introduced Strict Account Settings in 2026 for users who want stronger protection against sophisticated cyberattacks.
The feature applies more restrictive security settings, including protections involving attachments from unknown senders and calls from unknown numbers.
Where available, you can find it under:
WhatsApp → Settings → Privacy → Advanced
WhatsApp says the feature is particularly useful for people who could face more sophisticated attacks, such as journalists and public figures.
Even ordinary users who want stronger protection may find the available security options worth reviewing.
15. Protect Your WhatsApp Backups
Your live WhatsApp conversations may be protected by end-to-end encryption, but you should also pay attention to how your chat backups are secured.
WhatsApp provides end-to-end encrypted backup options.
The company has also introduced passkey-enabled encrypted backups, allowing supported users to protect backups using a fingerprint, face recognition or screen-lock code.
Check:
WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → End-to-end encrypted backup
Review the available options on your device.
What Should You Do If Your WhatsApp Account Is Hacked?
If you suddenly lose access to your WhatsApp account, act quickly.
Try registering your phone number again in the official WhatsApp application using the verification code sent to your number.
WhatsApp states that after successfully registering your number again, someone who may have been using the account can be logged out.
After regaining access, immediately review your linked devices, strengthen two-step verification, add or confirm your recovery email, create a passkey where available and warn your contacts if fraudulent messages were sent from your account.
Also change the passwords of any related accounts if you suspect they may have been compromised.
How Do WhatsApp Accounts Usually Get Hacked?
In many cases, attackers do not need to break WhatsApp’s encryption.
Instead, they attack the person using WhatsApp.
This is called social engineering.
The criminal manipulates the victim into revealing a verification code, scanning a QR code, installing malicious software, clicking a phishing link or providing sensitive information.
That is why cybersecurity awareness is just as important as having good security software.
The strongest security system can still be defeated if a user willingly gives an attacker the key.
Final WhatsApp Security Checklist
Before you close this page, make sure you have enabled or reviewed the most important protections on your account: strong two-step verification, a verified recovery email, a passkey where available, phone and app locks, linked devices, encrypted backups and updated WhatsApp software.
Most importantly, never share your registration code, verification credentials, passwords or OTPs with anyone.
Conclusion
WhatsApp is a powerful communication tool, but its popularity also makes its users targets for scammers and cybercriminals.
Protecting yourself does not require advanced technical knowledge.
A few minutes spent strengthening your account today could prevent someone from stealing your identity, accessing private conversations or using your account to scam your friends and family.
Cybersecurity starts with awareness.
Think before you click. Verify before you trust. Protect your digital identity.
About Cyberhub ICT
Cyberhub ICT Center provides ICT training and technology services covering areas such as Internet & Cyber Security, Web Design & Blogging, Digital Marketing, Graphics Design, Desktop Publishing, Content Creation and Social Media Management.
For more practical technology tutorials, cybersecurity tips and digital guides, continue following Cyberhub ICT.
Website: cyberhubict.online
Email: cyberhubict@gmail.com
Phone: 08061601662
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone hack my WhatsApp without my verification code?
Account attacks can happen in several ways, including stolen devices, malicious software, fraudulent device linking and social engineering. Protecting your phone, linked devices and authentication methods therefore matters in addition to protecting your registration code.
Should I give a WhatsApp code to a friend who says it was sent to me accidentally?
No. Never share your WhatsApp registration code or security password with another person.
How can I know if another device is connected to my WhatsApp?
Open WhatsApp → Linked devices and review the devices listed there. Log out any device you do not recognize.
Is WhatsApp two-step verification important?
Yes. It provides another authentication layer that can make unauthorized account access more difficult.
Are WhatsApp passkeys safer?
Passkeys use cryptographic authentication tied to your device and can use your fingerprint, face or screen lock, reducing dependence on traditional passwords and SMS codes.
What should I do if someone asks me for money through a friend’s WhatsApp account?
Verify the request independently, preferably by calling the person using a trusted phone number before sending money.
