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| Beware ... a simple trick through the WhatsApp application hijacks your account |
Cybercriminals target WhatsApp users with a simple trick that can disconnect accounts and send potentially dangerous messages to contacts. Cyber security experts warn that the hoax can be used to manipulate new victims, referrals or referrals, and the appearance of the Corona virus has caused panic to persuade them to share bank details.
The cyberattack is already documented, but it recently appeared in the UK, starting with the six-digit code that WhatsApp sent to the victim's phone via SMS. Shortly thereafter, the user needed a friend or relative (his account was also deceived) before he could share the code via WhatsApp.
In this case, the victim is logged out of her account for up to 12 hours so the intruder can contact the contact person using the victim's name.
The trick is to use the confirmation code that is automatically sent by WhatsApp when installing the app on a new device. Hackers share the verification code to get the password required to activate a user's WhatsApp account. All you need is a phone number and a six-digit PIN code.
With access to the new account, hackers can use social engineering to trick people into sharing their WhatsApp accounts, and to spread that deception.
"Hackers usually try to get passwords for bank accounts or broadcast services like Netflix, but they are changing the information now to reflect the continued popularity," said Jake Moore, ESET cyber security expert. .
This issue can be avoided by activating the two-factor authentication function in WhatsApp, which provides users with additional security protection and provides them with a six-digit PIN. However, it is not used by many users. Because the default setting if it is not used.
The messaging service encourages users to use two-factor authentication, warns users against sharing six-digit PINs, and indicates that they will never ask users to share the code.
WhatsApp says, "If the two-factor authentication feature is enabled, any attempt to verify your phone number must be accompanied by the six-digit PIN code that you specified when using this feature."
The use of other WhatsApp and Facebook applications has grown rapidly since the epidemic spread, and the social media giant said, "In this case, it is very difficult to maintain the stability of the service." Earlier this week, it said news coverage in the most affected countries increased 50% from the previous month. .