A new way has been reported to steal WhatsApp accounts using a vaccination message against Covid-19. Let it not happen to you, we will tell you what this deception consists of so that you do not fall for it
Personal data has become something of a treasure trove of cybercriminals, containing inside information on a myriad of things, including access to bank accounts. For this reason, it is important to have this data correctly protected and to avoid any type of activity that could violate their security.
Recently users have reported what seems like a new way of hacking WhatsApp accounts, this time using an apocryphal message about the Covid-19 vaccine. The theft of accounts or data has become popular in recent years, and in most cases, the method for obtaining information is very easy for cybercriminals and difficult to detect for users, because in seconds you can give access to accounts almost imperceptibly.
We tell you how this method works and what you can do to avoid being a victim.
False message for Covid-19 vaccine
In recent days, the network has been circulating experiences of users who claim to have received a text message to confirm the date of application of the vaccine. These messages indicate that you need to confirm a code to complete the registration and be able to get an appointment for the vaccination.
The text takes by surprise those who are waiting for the date and time to be vaccinated, who are in a hurry to finish the process agree to send the digits received, believing that they are thus speeding up the process.
However, this is a technique used to access accounts of WhatsApp and, thus, steal data, or defraud contact the account owners, asking for money or inventing various situations to persuade them to deposit cash or okay, share more sensitive data.
What to do if you receive a fake message?
The first thing you should do if you get a message like the one we just described is to keep calm and be very careful when reading it. Verify who the sender is, what data is requested, and most importantly: do not forward information, or click on any link that contains the message. Next, make sure there is no suspicious activity on your account or contacts. Finally, delete the message and block the sender, to prevent further attempts.
How to protect your WhatsApp account?
Even with all the precautions, many times it is inevitable to be the target of these cybercriminals, the good news is that you can reinforce the security measures on your devices. Here we explain how to protect your account in this application.
The easiest way for an account to be stolen is when the verification code is shared with third parties. Since this code can be entered on another device and in this way, access your most recent conversations, contact list, and files stored in the application.
The WhatsApp support website indicates that, if this happens, you should immediately follow the following instructions to regain control of the account:
Register again on WhatsApp with your phone number.
You will receive another verification code by SMS.
Enter the digits that appear on the screen, and if there is a session started on other devices, it will be automatically closed. This includes web sessions.
Two-step verification
This step works as a double strategy to prevent third parties from accessing your account since even if they can obtain the first verification code, a second will be requested. So it is advisable to have this setting activated.
You can do this by going to Settings- Account- Verification in two steps.
Other measures to prevent account theft
Always browse secure pages.
Do not open links or unknown external links.
Try not to forward information that is not corroborated.
Do not provide or exchange personal or sensitive data.
Check the sender before opening any conversation; If it looks suspicious or you don't recognize it, delete it and block the number.
Make sure that all the applications you download on your devices are verified and backed by the store of your operating system.
Remember that the government will never ask you for additional information to confirm the vaccine. We recommend you be aware of the information provided and updated by the authorities.