Signs Your WhatsApp Is Being Spied On Remotely and How to Stop It

A hijacked or spied-on WhatsApp account typically displays a number of signs that users can recognise. Nevertheless, users need not worry as there are several steps that can be taken to stop the spying. Hackers generally exploit third-party applications, WhatsApp Web, and even malware to surveil victims. This risk is growing because WhatsApp is now widely used to receive OTP codes from financial applications and online shopping platforms. The signs that WhatsApp is being spied on are fairly easy to recognise, as detailed below: 1. OTP: A One Time Password (OTP) is a six-digit code usually sent via SMS when accessing WhatsApp. This means that if such a message arrives, someone is attempting to access the WhatsApp account. Never give this OTP code to anyone. 2. Logged out of WhatsApp: One recognisable sign is being suddenly logged out of WhatsApp. Another device may be trying to access the account. You can check for other devices by tapping the three-dot icon and selecting WhatsApp Web. 3. Read messages: If there are messages that have been opened and read without your action, be cautious. This could indicate your account has been hijacked. 4. Self-sent messages: This sign is similar to the previous one. Be wary if messages are suddenly sent by themselves even though you never sent them. 5. Unknown Status: A WhatsApp Status appears suddenly that was not created by the account owner. 6. Making phone calls: Unknown phone calls appear on WhatsApp that were not made by the account owner. Solutions for WhatsApp Spying: Before spying like the above occurs, there is a preventative measure that can be taken, namely enabling two-step verification. Activate Two-Step Verification: To prevent becoming a victim of spying, activate WhatsApp’s security feature, two-step verification. With this method, criminals cannot access WhatsApp because they do not know the code used. Here is how to activate it: - Click the three-dot option - Go to Settings, then Account and click Two-Step Verification - Press Enable - Enter a six-digit code - Do not forget to enter an email address to recover the code if forgotten. However, if the incident has already happened, you can use the following methods. Report to WhatsApp: If you discover your account has been hacked, deactivate the account immediately. Users can contact WhatsApp support via email at [email protected] with the keyword “Lost/stolen: please deactivate my account” in the email body to deactivate the account. Users can provide a detailed chronology of the incident, including when and possibly how the account was hacked. Users have 30 days to reactivate the account before it is permanently deleted. Log In Again: You can reinstall WhatsApp to deal with spying. This can be done if the user has pressed the consent button to move the account. Keep in mind, reinstall using the previously registered number. This way, you can receive the OTP code sent to that number. Lock WhatsApp Account Screen: The final method is to lock the screen as available on Android devices, so no one else can access it. Go to Settings > Privacy > select the Screen Lock option > Scan fingerprint. Regularly Check WhatsApp Web: In addition, users need to diligently check for other devices logged in using the WhatsApp web version. If there is an unrecognised device, log it out immediately. Here is how to check devices connected via WhatsApp Web: - Press the three-dot option - Click WhatsApp Web - A list of devices connected to the WhatsApp account will then appear - Select Log out from all devices.