Signs Your WhatsApp Is Being Remotely Monitored and How to Stop It

An unusual activity on a WhatsApp account could be a sign that it is being accessed without permission. If left unchecked, the perpetrator could read conversations, view personal data, and even use the account to commit fraud. Tapping or hijacking of WhatsApp accounts generally occurs because users inadvertently share their verification code (OTP), log in on an unsecured device, or fall victim to malicious applications and links. It is therefore important to recognise the symptoms early so the account can be secured immediately. WhatsApp provides several security features that can help users identify whether another device is accessing their account. There are also several signs that may indicate an account has been compromised. The signs that a WhatsApp account has been tapped are fairly easy to recognise, as follows: 1. Receiving an OTP Code. A One Time Password (OTP) is typically a six-digit code sent via SMS when someone attempts to log into a WhatsApp account. If you receive an OTP without trying to log in yourself, it means another party is attempting to access your account. Never share the OTP with anyone. 2. Suddenly Logged Out of WhatsApp. One warning sign is being suddenly logged out of WhatsApp. This can happen because another device is trying to take over your account. To check, open the three-dot icon and select Linked Devices. 3. Messages Marked as Read. If messages appear as read even though you have not opened them, this situation should raise suspicion. It is possible that someone else is accessing your WhatsApp account. 4. Messages Sent Without Your Knowledge. Be wary if messages appear to have been sent to others without you having composed them. This can be an indication that the account has been hijacked. 5. Unfamiliar WhatsApp Statuses. If a WhatsApp Status suddenly appears that you did not upload, check your account security immediately, as there is a possibility that another party has access. 6. Unknown Call History. If there are voice or video calls in the history that you did not make, do not ignore them. Unfamiliar call history can be a sign that the account has been used by someone else. To prevent such tapping from occurring, you can activate two-step verification. By using this method, criminals cannot access the account because they do not know the PIN created by the user. Here is how to enable it: Click the three-dot icon, go to Settings, select Account, click Two-Step Verification, press Enable, enter a six-digit PIN, and add an email address as a recovery option in case you forget the PIN. However, if your account has already been hacked, you can take the following steps. Contact WhatsApp immediately to deactivate the account by emailing [email protected]. In the email body, write ‘Lost/stolen: please deactivate my account’ along with a brief chronology of the suspected account hijacking. Users have up to 30 days to reactivate the account before it is permanently deleted. You can also reinstall WhatsApp using the same phone number. WhatsApp will send an OTP code to that number so the rightful owner can regain control of the account. To enhance security, activate the screen lock feature so the application can only be opened using a fingerprint or other authentication method. The steps are: Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock > Enable fingerprint. Additionally, users should routinely check the list of devices connected to the WhatsApp account. If an unrecognised device is found, immediately remove its access. To check, press the three-dot icon, select Linked Devices, view the list of logged-in devices, and choose to log out of all devices or remove the unfamiliar one.