The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team, NCC-CSIRT, says the popular messaging app, WhatsApp is increasingly becoming a major target for hackers and scammers and has therefore recommended that users of WhatsApp, set up Two-Factor Authentication, 2FA, to avoid falling victim.
In an advisory issued recently, the NCC-CSIRT revealed that hackers and scammers are always seeking ways to
gain unauthorized access to WhatsApp users’ accounts to steal,
destroy or access the account owner's "internal data records for their use.”
According to the CSIRT the two-factor authentication (2FA) when enabled provides additional security to a WhatsApp user's account by requiring them to enter a custom PIN every time they log into the free Meta-owned service from a new device.
According to the NCC-CSIRT advisory, “In the world of messaging apps, one of the most popular and recognizable is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is 100 percent free to use, has a great mobile app, and supports audio and video calls.
“Whether you rely on WhatsApp for all your messaging needs or just use it from time to time, it is recommended to set it up with two-factor authentication (2FA).
"With this enabled, you will need to enter a custom PIN every time you log in to WhatsApp from a new device, adding an extra layer of security to your account.”
The NCC team said, “2FA gives businesses or people the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks.
"The 2FA is important because it prevents cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their use.”
“WhatsApp provides two-factor authentication so you can further secure your account using a PIN. It is an optional feature that adds more security to your WhatsApp account, so it is recommended that everyone installs 2FA”.
Ten Steps To Enable 2FA On WhatsApp.
To enable the 2FA on WhatsApp, the CSIRT recommended 10 steps including :
“Open WhatsApp,
Tap Settings,
Tap Account,
Tap Two-Step Verification,
Tap Enable,
Enter the Six-Digit PIN you wish to use,
Tap Next,
Then enter it a second time to confirm it,
Tap Next,
Add an email address for extra security. (This step is optional but it is an extra way to retrieve your account if you forget your PIN).
Then tap Next."
Changing Your PIN.
“For those concerned that their PIN might have been compromised or is easy to guess, they can change their WhatsApp PIN or email address by tapping settings.
“Two-Step Verification, tapping Change PIN or Change Email Address, Entering a new PIN or email address, and then tapping ‘next’ to effect the necessary changes.
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