A new WhatsApp scam is targeting users' phone numbers. Security experts even claimed that the new malicious act only needs a victim's mobile number so that they can totally lock them out from their accounts.
According to Tech Radar's latest report, WhatsApp is one of the most popular apps used by many people. It helps various individuals to connect with their friends, family, colleagues, and more.
WhatsApp's ability to connect people can be affected by the newly discovered hack. Various experts and researchers explained that hackers can use the new scam to develop an attack that will allow them to hijack the user's account.
They added that the malicious actors and other online attackers can use the scam to hack people's WhatsApp accounts, even if they are using two-factor authentication (2FA).
How WhatsApp's new scam works
Previously, security researchers didn't believe that the new scam is that serious. However, their belief changed after Luis Marquez Carpintero and Ernesto Canales Perena, security researchers involved in the previous study, demonstrated how efficient the new attack is.
"This is yet another worrying hack," said Jake Moore, one of the security experts at ESET, via Forbes' previous report.
"One that could impact millions of users who could potentially be targeted with this attack. With so many people relying on WhatsApp as their primary communication tool for social and work purposes, it is alarming at what ease this can occur," he added.
On the other hand, experts explained that the new WhatsApp scam uses two separate processes. They added that when hackers use them simultaneously, they can easily deactivate your accounts and prevent the users from retrieving them.
The scam will start off with a hacker that was able to acquire your phone number. After that, they will send a request, asking you to activate WhatsApp on a different phone using your sensitive details. You can click here to see more info about the new scam.
What should you do?
Experts explained that WhatsApp users should include their email addresses when using 2FA. This will allow them to have a second security layer, which would also help the customer service representatives identify if they are handling a scammer or the real account owners.
For more news updates about the new WhatsApp scam and other app security issues, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon
