NITDA provides advice on protecting WhatsApp accounts from cyber threats

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a comprehensive advisory for WhatsApp users in Nigeria to protect their accounts from hacking and unauthorized access.

This advisory provides specific steps for both individual administrators and group administrators to prevent and respond to account breaches.

The guidelines come amid growing concerns about cyber threats targeting messaging apps and social media platforms, with WhatsApp particularly vulnerable due to its widespread use.

NITDA emphasizes the importance of vigilance while using the platform to ensure security and protect personal information

“WhatsApp is a powerful communication tool, but like any digital platform, you must remain vigilant. Follow these simple but crucial steps to ensure your safety and protect your information,” the agency said.

Recover hacked accounts

NITDA advises that if a user suspects that his WhatsApp account has been hacked, he/she should act quickly to regain control. One of the recommended immediate actions is to log out of all devices to disconnect unauthorized users.

“Logging out all devices can help limit unauthorized access and give users back control of their accounts,‘, said NITDA.

For a more comprehensive recovery, users are encouraged to uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp, which will allow them to request a new verification code. NITDA emphasizes that setting up two-step verification immediately after regaining access is essential as it adds a layer of security against possible future hacks.

“Two-step verification is one of the most effective measures to prevent unauthorized access,” said NITDA.

NITDA also suggests that compromised users notify their contacts to avoid possible phishing attempts. Informing contacts is crucial to limit the spread of misleading messages or links that could harm other users.

In addition, it is recommended to check recent chats for unusual activity or messages. For persistent issues or if recovery proves challenging, NITDA encourages you to contact WhatsApp Support directly.

Secure group chats

NITDA’s advisory provides specific guidance for WhatsApp group administrators on securing group chats, especially when a group member’s account has been compromised.

• If a member’s account is compromised, administrators are advised to immediately remove the affected member from the group to prevent the spread of unauthorized content. According to NITDA, informing group members about the compromised account is crucial as it helps increase awareness and encourages caution among members regarding suspicious links or messages.
• Administrators are further encouraged to contact the affected member via alternate communication channels to inform them of the breach and provide guidance in restoring their account.

NITDA emphasizes the value of using WhatsApp support tools, such as the “Forgot PIN” and “Request Support” options, for recovery. If necessary, group admins can also report the compromised account to WhatsApp for assistance.

How to secure your WhatsApp account

To reduce the chance of account hacks, NITDA recommends several best practices that can help all WhatsApp users improve their account security:

• Enabling two-step verification is a primary suggestion from NITDA. This feature, accessible through WhatsApp’s security settings, adds a crucial second layer of protection.

• NITDA warns users to be careful with links and files received from unverified contacts as clicking on unknown links can expose the user’s device to malware and phishing schemes.

• Updating the WhatsApp app regularly is another important recommendation. Updating ensures that users have the latest security patches, which address vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.

• NITDA also advises users to adjust privacy settings to control who can see their profile photo, status, and last seen. This can minimize exposure to unknown individuals who could misuse such information.

• As an extra precaution, users are advised to keep their verification codes confidential and never share them with others, including people posing as WhatsApp support or other trusted services.

Finally, NITDA recommends that users avoid using WhatsApp over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, which are more vulnerable to data breaches.