WhatsApp alert: AKSK warns of account compromises and urges caution — here are the steps and measures to take

The National Authority for Cybersecurity (AKSK) is urging citizens to exercise increased caution following reports in the region of WhatsApp account compromises.

According to the authority, in some cases users have lost access to their accounts, while how they were compromised is being analyzed by the relevant authorities.

AKSK recommends enabling two-step verification on WhatsApp and stresses that verification codes, passwords and account data must never be shared with anyone.

Citizens are also advised to regularly check the “Linked Devices” section and disconnect any unknown device. Likewise, they should avoid clicking on suspicious links arriving via SMS, WhatsApp or email.

Another warning concerns registration codes. If a user receives a code or a notification about WhatsApp being registered on another device without having requested it themselves, they must not share the code nor authorize the request.

AKSK recommends that the email linked to the account also be protected with a unique password and multi-factor authentication.

In case of loss of access, the authority advises using only WhatsApp’s official procedures and channels to recover the account.

“A verification code is personal,” AKSK stresses, adding that even when the request appears to come from someone they know, users must verify before acting.