WhatsApp is not just used to send messages. Moreover, the most widely used messaging application in the world is used to share information.
Because of that, WhatsApp has become the target of cyber criminals to steal information. One method is by tapping the targeted person's WhatsApp.
Fortunately, as users, we can find out the characteristics of WhatsApp being bugged. But no less preventing it from being tapped, it's easy!
Features of WhatsApp bugged
1. Receive SMS OTP Code
If your account suddenly logouts itself, then receives an SMS OTP code, you should suspect that WhatsApp is being bugged. Someone may be accessing your account on another device.
In order for that person to log into the account, they must fill in the OTP code that is sent via SMS to the number entered during login.
Therefore, do not give the received OTP code to anyone, including close people. Because sometimes hackers have many sneaky ways to get the code. Usually the mode is to send a message, pretend to send the wrong code and ask for the code to be sent back.
2. Message Read
If WhatsApp is being tapped, it is a message that has been read even though you don't think you have opened or read it. Another sign that WhatsApp is being tapped is that you find messages sent to certain contacts without our knowledge.
3. Get Weird Notifications
WhatsApp cannot be used on two phones at the same time. As soon as the same number is logged on another device, the other WhatsApp account will be logged out automatically.
Then a strange notification will appear, "Your phone number is no longer registered in WhatsApp on the phone. Maybe because you have registered it on another phone. If you don't do this, verify your phone number to log back into your account."
If you don't feel like entering the same Whatsapp number on another device, it's better to immediately press verify so that your Whatsapp account doesn't move to another phone.
4. Check WhatsApp Web Device
WhatsApp Web can already be used on four different devices. Therefore, it is mandatory to monitor WhatsApp Web by opening the three dots in the right corner, selecting 'WhatsApp Web'.
Here you will see where the WA account is connected. If you find a device that is not recognized, connected to your WhatsApp, it means it is bugged. Remove the unknown device immediately if you find it.
How to prevent WhatsApp from being bugged
1. Keep OTP Code
Remember! do not share the OTP code in case you receive it. The WhatsApp OTP code usually contains six numbers that need to be entered when we log in as a form of verification.
WhatsApp sends OTP via SMS. Because it is very confidential, it should not be told by anyone once you receive it.
2. Two-Step verification
The step to secure your WA account so that it is not tapped by other people you don't want is a two-step verification that must be done.
How to enable two-step verification as follows:
Click the three-dot option on the top right
'Settings > Account > Two Step Verification
Click Enable
Enter the six secret codes you choose
Enter an email to recover the password in case the user forgets it.
It's a good idea to activate the fingerprint scanner. So that not everyone can access your WhatsApp account, the method is as follows:
Click the three-dot option on the top right
Click Privacy
Click fingerprint lock
Activate
Users will be asked to record their fingerprint
WhatsApp asks users to choose how long the app will auto-lock, immediately, after 1 minute, or after 30 minutes.