WhatsApp is one of the most important applications for millions of users around the world. Thousands of messages are sent through WhatsApp every day, sometimes containing valuable personal or business information. It’s only natural that you worry that someone is spying on your whatsapp account. What are the most common ways to steal information on WhatsApp? How can you prevent someone from accessing your user account? In this guide we will tell you everything about WhatsApp spying.
What are the most common methods for WhatsApp spying?
A user views a chat on WhatsApp
Attackers use some recurring methods to access WhatsApp account without owner’s permission. If you know them well, you can prevent possible break-ins.
With a computer
WhatsApp has been able to connect to computers for years. Sessions initiated on a shared computer are the gateway for other people to read your conversations or check the messages you receive.
With a spy app
Another common method for an external user to take control of WhatsApp is the Installing spyware on your phone. This is more common than you might think and allows the attacker to see or even control your phone’s screen.
By using your account on a different phone
Log into your account using a different phone, is not very complicated. In this case, the intruder accesses your account and can send messages, videos, photos and other content to any WhatsApp user.
Using social engineering techniques
The techniques of Social Engineering are very diverse. Someone may ask you for a code that has been sent to your number for some strange reason to verify access to your account. Or you’ll be prompted to scan WhatsApp Web’s QR code to make signing in easier. There are even methods to record a phone or computer screen remotely to find out what’s on it.
Signs that you are being spied on WhatsApp
WhatsApp runs in a mobile phone
There are a few signs that will make you suspect that someone is spying on your WhatsApp account. We take a quick look at some of them.
The battery drains quickly
if the battery runs out very quickly, this may indicate that applications are running in the background. This is the most common operating pattern of spyware, running constantly, giving the attacker access to the phone whenever they want.
Your device is behaving strangely
Another possible sign that your phone has been compromised are strange behaviors such as apps opening on their own, ghost touches on the screen, or unauthorized installations. This could indicate that someone is secretly controlling your phone and therefore has access to your WhatsApp account.
The phone runs apps in the background
Some manufacturers allow you to see the list of applications running in the background. Found some weird software you didn’t install? It’s possible that it’s spyware that provides an intruder with a back door to view the contents of your device.
You have been logged out of your mobile phone without having requested it.
When WhatsApp notifies you that someone has requested an activation code, it is possible for a user to attempt to break into your account. Be careful with it! If you are logged out on your phone, it means the attacker managed to break into your profile. Remember: WhatsApp doesn’t allow an account to be active on two phones at the same time.
There are open sessions on WhatsApp Web that you haven’t started.
Finally, there is one more detail that should alert you: You see multiple WhatsApp web sessions that you haven’t started. This could be because another user has logged into their computer with your phone and is reading your conversations as a result.
Top tips to avoid being spied on you on WhatsApp
A user opens the WhatsApp app to read their messages
So far, we have told you about the most common WhatsApp spy methods and the signs that should alert you. Now we give you the best recommendations to avoid them.
Use secure blocking methods
Activate all available locking methods on your device. We recommend that you set up the fingerprint sensor and face recognition together with a long alphanumeric code.
Be careful where you leave your phone
It’s not a good idea leaving your phone within reach of other users, especially if you don’t use security systems to prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important in unsecured environments such as B. in public places, in the office or in the gym, to name just a few examples.
Be careful with downloads from the Internet
Download files and applications only from trusted internet storage download, such as the official Google Store or Malavida. Under no circumstances is it advisable to download files from pirate portals or fraudulently activated software.
Avoid granting root access to unknown applications
Unless absolutely necessary, you should avoid using your Android phone Grant superuser or root privileges. If you have no other choice, you should only grant root access to applications that you completely trust.
Don’t click on links you receive via SMS
It is not uncommon, fake text messages to obtain the links. These could cause you to download a spyware application without you realizing it. Once installed, this type of software goes unnoticed by the user and is difficult to remove.
Sign out once you’re done using WhatsApp on a shared PC.
if you get used to you from shared computers, e.g. B. in the office to log off, this is an important step to prevent intruders. Open the main menu in WhatsApp and click on the Linked Devices button.
Open sections with linked devices
Tap the session you want to close to continue.
Click on the linked device
Finally, you can use the log out button to log out of this computer.
Log out on the PC
Keep in mind that you can also perform this method remotely.
Reset the device
If you have noticed strange behavior on your phone, we recommend that you restore your device. This will remove all applications and ensure there are no traces of spyware.