Online Reporter
Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has urged customers to protect their WhatsApp accounts from hackers and social engineering scams that are increasingly targeting mobile users.
“We urge customers to proactively secure their WhatsApp accounts by selecting the login and security settings on their WhatsApp profile, and enabling WhatsApp Passkeys as well as activating the two-step authentication (or verification) on their account.
“This ensures an added layer of security for their WhatsApp account, so that in the case of an attempt to compromise or hijack their account, the customer can recover it,” the company said.
Over the past few days, Econet has also been using multiple channels to communicate steps customers should follow to protect themselves and strengthen security on their WhatsApp accounts.
The company has communicated the safety guidelines via its digital platforms – Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) the web – as well as via SMS.
The messages included the following precautions for customers to safeguard their WhatsApp accounts:
- Enable WhatsApp Passkeys and Two-Step Verification, including setting a six-digit PIN and recovery email address.
- Never share verification codes or security PINs with anyone, regardless of who they claim to be.
- Regularly check linked devices and remove any unfamiliar devices connected to your WhatsApp account.
- Keep WhatsApp updated with the latest software releases and security patches.
- Check your call forwarding settings; make sure to disable unauthorised call forwarding on your device
- Do not dial any unverified codes starting with *or **
- Do not scan unknown QR codes. Avoid scanning WhatsApp pairing codes on third-party websites or unknown displays. Ensure to logout from any WhatsApp web login.
- Exercise caution when receiving messages that create a sense of urgency or request confidential information.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links, even if they appear to come from known contacts.
- Verify requests for money, account information, or verification codes by calling the person directly, before taking any action.
The warning from Econet comes amid a rise in fraudulent attempts by hackers and scammers to gain unauthorized access into WhatsApp accounts.
