FIA warns of cybercriminals targeting WhatsApp accounts

Official says hacked accounts could be used to disseminate inappropriate material and for fraud

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has alerted the general public that incidents of hacking of citizens' WhatsApp accounts have increased, with cybercriminals specifically targeting women's accounts.

According to an FIA official, cybercriminals gain access to women's WhatsApp accounts and extract their personal information such as chats, images, and videos, for extortion and blackmail.

The official maintained that cybercriminals are using new methods to gain unauthorised access to WhatsApp accounts, including phishing and social engineering. Phishing involves deceptive messages that lure users into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.

The official stated that hacked accounts could be used to disseminate inappropriate material and fraud, adding that the FIA advised enabling the two-step verification process in WhatsApp settings, which provides an additional layer of security to prevent unauthorised access to the account.

The FIA further advised people to avoid opening messages or media files sent from unknown numbers as they may contain links or files that could harm the software or grant access to the data. Regularly review and update privacy settings on WhatsApp to limit access to personal information, the official added.

It was suggested that if a WhatsApp account is hacked the FIA helpline should be contacted at 1991 or a visit should be paid to the nearest FIA circle.

Individuals were further advised to contact WhatsApp help to regain control of the account and implement appropriate security measures. They were asked to inform close friends, family members, and colleagues about it so they can prevent possible fraud.