WhatsApp Hack: Threats and Protection Strategies

With over 2 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps for both personal and business communication. However, its massive user base makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. From account takeovers to spyware attacks, hackers use various tactics to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data.

This blog post delves into the most common WhatsApp hacking threats and the best strategies to protect your account.

How Hackers Exploit WhatsApp Vulnerabilities

Hackers use various tactics to exploit WhatsApp vulnerabilities and manipulate user behavior to gain unauthorized access. Some of the most common methods include:

Social Engineering Attacks

• Impersonation Scams: Cybercriminals pose as trusted contacts or organizations to trick users into revealing sensitive information. For example, a hacker may pretend to be a friend in distress, asking for financial help or personal details.
• Verification Code Scams: Attackers send deceptive messages, pretending to be from WhatsApp support or a known contact, requesting the victim's six-digit verification code. Once obtained, this allows them to take over the account.

Call Forwarding Exploits

Hackers manipulate call forwarding settings by tricking users into dialing specific codes. This reroutes calls to the attacker’s number, enabling them to intercept verification calls and gain control of the WhatsApp account.

Malware and Spyware Infiltration

Malicious software is often made to look like legitimate apps or links. Once installed on a device, it can monitor WhatsApp messages, contacts, and activities. Hackers distribute such malware through phishing links, fake updates, or unofficial app stores, compromising user privacy.

What Are the WhatsApp Hacking Techniques?

Hackers use various advanced methods to gain unauthorized access to WhatsApp accounts, often exploiting user behavior and technical vulnerabilities. Some of the most common techniques include:

• QR Phishing (Quishing): Attackers use QR codes containing malicious URLs to trick users into visiting compromised websites.
• SIM Swapping: Cybercriminals impersonate users to convince telecom providers to issue a new SIM card, allowing them to gain access to WhatsApp accounts.

Watch the video from Keepnet featuring a real SIM swap attack story.

• Session Hijacking: Exploiting unencrypted Wi-Fi networks, attackers intercept WhatsApp Web sessions to gain access to active accounts.
• Keylogging: Using spyware to record keystrokes, attackers can capture sensitive information, including WhatsApp credentials.

How to Secure Your WhatsApp from Being Hacked

Protecting your WhatsApp account requires proactive security measures. Follow these key steps to stay safe:

• Enable Two-Step Verification: Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and set up a PIN to add extra protection.
• Avoid Sharing Verification Codes: Never share your WhatsApp verification code or personal details, even if the request appears legitimate.
• Check Linked Devices Regularly: Go to Settings > Linked Devices and log out any unfamiliar or suspicious devices.
• Keep Your App Updated: Always use the latest version of WhatsApp to get the newest security patches.
• Download Only from Official Sources: Install WhatsApp only from official app stores to avoid fake, malware-infected versions.

Read our guide to learn how WhatsApp is hacked in 2025.

What Are WhatsApp Privacy Features?

WhatsApp includes several built-in features to help users protect their privacy and secure their accounts. The table below outlines these key features and how they enhance security.

Table 1: Key WhatsApp Privacy Features and Their Benefits

Real-World WhatsApp Hack Cases

Cybercriminals continue to exploit WhatsApp vulnerabilities, targeting individuals, businesses, and government officials. Here are some of the most significant real-world hacking incidents involving WhatsApp:

1. NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware Attack (2019 - 2024)

In 2019, WhatsApp sued the Israeli surveillance company NSO Group, accusing it of using Pegasus spyware to hack around 1,400 devices. The spyware exploited a vulnerability in WhatsApp’s video calling feature, allowing attackers to infect devices even if the recipient didn’t answer the call.

The attack targeted journalists, human rights activists, and government officials, raising serious concerns about privacy and digital surveillance. In December 2024, a U.S. judge ruled that NSO Group had violated hacking laws and WhatsApp’s terms of service, marking a major victory for privacy rights. (Source: The Guardian)

2. WhatsApp Data Breach (November 2022)

In November 2022, a major WhatsApp data breach exposed the phone numbers of nearly 500 million users across 84 countries. The stolen data was put up for sale on a hacking forum, making users vulnerable to phishing attacks, spam, and scams.

Although WhatsApp denied that the data was obtained through a breach of its systems, experts warned that cybercriminals could use this information for social engineering attacks and identity theft. This incident underscored the risks associated with leaked personal data and the need for enhanced privacy protection. (Source: Cybernews)

3. AI Voice Cloning and SIM Swap Scam (2023)

In 2023, cybersecurity expert Jake Moore conducted an experiment to demonstrate how AI voice cloning and SIM swap attacks can be used to bypass security and commit fraud.

Using publicly available videos from a business owner’s YouTube channel, he was able to clone the person's voice using AI software. To make the attack more convincing, he also hacked the victim's WhatsApp account via SIM swapping.

Once inside the account, he sent a voice message to the company’s financial director, requesting a £250 payment to a fake contractor. Since the message came from the victim’s WhatsApp account and sounded exactly like him, the financial director believed it was legitimate and transferred the money within 16 minutes.

This case highlights the growing risk of AI-driven fraud and how cybercriminals are combining deepfake technology with traditional hacking techniques to deceive their victims. (Source: WeLiveSecurity)

Future Security Updates for WhatsApp

WhatsApp continues to enhance its security features to address evolving threats. Notable updates include:

1. Account Protect

To safeguard users during device transitions, WhatsApp introduced "Account Protect." When transferring your account to a new device, WhatsApp may now prompt you on your old device to verify the move, ensuring that only authorized users can migrate accounts.

2. Device Verification

Addressing threats from mobile malware, WhatsApp implemented "Device Verification." This feature adds background checks to authenticate your account without requiring user intervention, preventing malware from exploiting your WhatsApp to send unauthorized messages.

3. Automatic Security Codes

Enhancing the existing security code verification, WhatsApp rolled out "Automatic Security Codes." Utilizing a process called "Key Transparency," this feature allows users to automatically verify a secure connection when clicking on the encryption tab under a contact's info, simplifying the verification process.

These updates reflect WhatsApp's ongoing commitment to user security and privacy. For more detailed information, you can refer to WhatsApp's official security page.

What to Do If Your WhatsApp Is Hacked

If you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been hacked, take these steps immediately to regain control and secure your data:

• Log Out of All Sessions: Open Settings > Linked Devices and log out of all connected devices to remove any unauthorized access.
• Reverify Your Account: Reinstall WhatsApp and complete the verification process using your phone number. Do not share your verification code with anyone.
• Notify Your Contacts: Inform your friends and family that your account was hacked to prevent scammers from impersonating you.
• Enable Two-Step Verification: Once you regain access, activate two-step verification in Settings > Account to add an extra layer of protection.
• Report the Incident: Contact WhatsApp Support and provide details of the breach. If financial fraud or sensitive data is involved, report it to local authorities or a cybercrime unit.

Taking swift action can help minimize damage and prevent further misuse of your account.

WhatsApp vs. Alternatives: Security Comparison

While WhatsApp is widely used, other messaging apps like Signal and Telegram offer different security features. Here's how they compare:

1. Signal

Pros: Uses an open-source encryption protocol, stores no user data on servers, and offers advanced disappearing messages for extra privacy.

Cons: Smaller user base compared to WhatsApp, which may limit communication options.

2. Telegram

Pros: Offers "Secret Chats" with end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and multi-device support.

Cons: Regular chats are not encrypted by default, meaning users must manually enable Secret Chats for maximum privacy.

3. WhatsApp

Pros: End-to-end encryption by default, widespread adoption, and frequent security updates to address vulnerabilities.

Cons: Backups are not encrypted by default, making them a potential security risk. Also, users remain vulnerable to phishing and social engineering attacks. Choosing the right messaging app depends on your privacy needs. If maximum security is your priority, Signal is the best choice. If you need a balance between security and convenience, WhatsApp or Telegram may be more suitable.

Protect Your WhatsApp Account from Emerging Threats

While WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it a secure messaging platform, it remains a target for cybercriminals. Threats like phishing scams, spyware attacks, and SIM swapping highlight the need for stronger security practices beyond WhatsApp’s built-in protections.

To safeguard your account, always enable two-step verification, monitor linked devices, and stay cautious of unsolicited messages. Businesses must also ensure that employees are aware of social engineering tactics and implement organization-wide security policies to prevent unauthorized access.

For a comprehensive approach to human risk management, explore Keepnet’s Human Risk Management Platform to identify vulnerabilities, train employees, and strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity posture.