The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has reported an alarming increase in complaints regarding WhatsApp account hacks, with approximately 74 cases documented in recent weeks. Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola indicated that the hacking incidents often begin with an online meeting invitation sent from either an unfamiliar number or a known contact.
Hackers typically request users to provide their verification codes, which allows them to infiltrate accounts. In response to this growing threat, SLCERT is strongly advising all WhatsApp users to refrain from sharing their personal verification codes with anyone, regardless of the source of the request.
For users who find their accounts compromised, SLCERT recommends uninstalling and reinstalling the WhatsApp application, followed by re-registering their phone number to regain access. This precautionary measure is essential to enhance security and protect personal information on the platform. SLCERT continues to emphasize vigilance among users to prevent falling victim to these hacking attempts, underscoring the importance of safeguarding personal verification information.
