How can I protect my WhatsApp account from being hacked?
Hello! My WhatsApp account is being targeted by hackers. There was already one successful hacking attempt, and I could only regain access after 6 hours. I didn’t send any SMS codes to anyone; I just saw the message “Your account no longer belongs to you.” Now I’m receiving suspicious SMS messages again.
I’ve enabled two-factor authentication with a PIN, but this didn’t stop the attackers. I don’t know how else I can protect my account or where the security vulnerability might be.
P.S. I’ve already created a security key through the “Access Keys” menu. What additional security measures can I take to protect my WhatsApp account?
How to Protect Your WhatsApp Account from Hacking
To protect your WhatsApp account from hacking, you need to implement a multi-layered security system, including two-factor authentication using Passkeys, device confirmation setup, and protection against SIM attacks. In 2025, WhatsApp introduced new security features that significantly enhance account protection when properly configured.
Table of Contents
- Basic WhatsApp Account Protection Methods
- Two-Factor Authentication and Passkeys
- Protection Against SIM Attacks and Account Transfer
- Additional Security Measures
- Checking Current Security Status
- What to Do If You Suspect a Hack
Basic WhatsApp Account Protection Methods
WhatsApp offers several levels of protection that need to be configured comprehensively. The most effective protection includes combining multiple security methods.
Key point: Even with two-factor authentication enabled with a PIN code, attackers can bypass protection using social engineering methods or SIM attacks.
In 2025, WhatsApp introduced a new Passkeys feature — digital keys stored on your device that don’t need to be memorized like PIN codes. This is a more secure alternative method of two-factor authentication.
Two-Factor Authentication and Passkeys
Setting Up Two-Factor Authentication
To activate two-factor authentication in WhatsApp:
- Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings” → “Account” → “Two-step verification”
- Tap “Enable”
- Create a PIN (6-8 digits)
- Confirm the PIN
- Enter an email for recovery access (mandatory)
Important: According to Hubtype, you should enable two-factor authentication on all WhatsApp Business accounts for maximum protection.
Using Passkeys Instead of PIN Codes
In 2025, WhatsApp implemented Passkeys as a more secure alternative to PIN codes:
- Passkeys are tied to your device
- Require biometric authentication (fingerprint, face recognition)
- Cannot be stolen by phishing attacks
- Automatically sync between your devices
Advantage of Passkeys: As noted in their guide by Sheetwa, Passkeys don’t need to be memorized, making them more secure than traditional PIN codes.
Protection Against SIM Attacks and Account Transfer
The SIM Attack Problem
SIM swap attacks are one of the most common methods for hacking WhatsApp. Attackers intercept your SIM card number and gain access to SMS verification codes.
New Features for Protection Against SIM Attacks
WhatsApp introduced a new device confirmation feature for account transfers:
When you try to transfer your WhatsApp account to a new device, a confirmation request appears on your previously linked device. This feature helps prevent unauthorized account migration, especially during SIM swap attacks or device theft.
As reported by Keepnet Labs, this feature significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your account.
Additional Measures Against SIM Attacks
- Link your number to multiple accounts: WhatsApp allows you to link your number to up to 4 devices simultaneously
- Use backup codes: Save recovery backup codes in a secure location
- Limit carrier access: Contact your mobile carrier to request additional security measures for your number
Additional Security Measures
Protecting Backups
Your WhatsApp backups should be protected with an additional layer of security:
Important Set up a strong password and two-factor authentication on your iCloud account to protect your WhatsApp backups.
This is recommended by Moonlock for ensuring complete data security.
Biometric Authentication
On modern devices, you can set up biometric protection for the WhatsApp app itself:
- On iPhone: “Settings” → “Privacy” → “Face ID” → WhatsApp
- On Android: “Settings” → “Security” → “Biometrics” → WhatsApp
Regular Device Checking
Check devices linked to your WhatsApp account:
- Open WhatsApp
- Go to “Settings” → “Linked Devices”
- Review the list of linked devices
- Remove suspicious or unused devices
Checking Current Security Status
Signs of a Hacked Account
Watch for the following signs of a possible hack:
- Receiving “Your account no longer belongs to you” messages
- Unrecognized devices in the linked devices list
- Messages sent from your name that you didn’t send
- Status or avatar changes without your knowledge
Security Checking Tools
In 2025, Meta introduced new tools to protect WhatsApp users:
Meta launched tools on WhatsApp and Messenger to combat fraud, disrupting 8 million fake accounts.
As reported by The Hacker News, these tools include enhanced threat detection and promotion of secure account management.
What to Do If You Suspect a Hack
Immediate Actions
-
Block your account immediately:
- Use the “Block my account” feature in WhatsApp
- Or contact WhatsApp support
-
Notify friends and contacts:
- Warn them about possible fraudulent messages from your name
-
Change passwords for linked accounts:
- Email linked to WhatsApp
- Social media accounts
- Financial services
Preventive Measures
-
Enable login notifications:
- Set up alerts for account logins
- Use different emails for different services
-
Regularly update WhatsApp:
- Install the latest app updates
- Check for vulnerabilities
-
Educate yourself and contacts about phishing:
- Recognize phishing messages
- Don’t click on suspicious links
Critically important advice As emphasized by Jamaica Observer, always verify information independently using separate communication channels, especially for urgent requests.
Sources
- WhatsApp Hacking Methods 2025 & How to Protect Your Account - Keepnet
- Is WhatsApp Secure? 5 Reasons Why WhatsApp is Safe for B2C Communication | Hubtype Blog
- Should we implement WhatsApp login to reduce authentication friction? | CIAM Q&A
- Discover the Latest WhatsApp Privacy Features for Safer Use - Sheetwa
- How to Check If Someone Else Is Accessing Your WhatsApp Account [2025] - Wondershare
- Is WhatsApp safe? Here’s our expert opinion on WhatsApp security - Moonlock
- WhatsApp scams on the rise: How hackers exploit trust to hijack accounts - New Indian Express
- Meta Rolls Out New Tools to Protect WhatsApp and Messenger Users from Scams - The Hacker News
- Rising WhatsApp threats: How to protect yourself - Jamaica Observer
Conclusion
Protecting your WhatsApp account in 2025 requires a comprehensive approach. The main recommendations are:
- Switch to Passkeys instead of traditional PIN codes for two-factor authentication for maximum security
- Set up device confirmation for account transfers to protect against SIM attacks
- Use biometric authentication for the WhatsApp app itself
- Regularly check linked devices and remove suspicious connections
- Limit access to backups through separate iCloud or Google account protection
It’s important to remember that no security measure provides 100% guarantee, but a comprehensive approach significantly reduces the risk of your WhatsApp account being hacked. If you receive “Your account no longer belongs to you” messages, immediately block your account and notify friends about possible fraud.