Pakistan’s National Emergency Response Team (NERT) has issued a warning about a significant increase in cyber attacks targeting WhatsApp accounts. Both personal and professional WhatsApp accounts, including those used by businesses and government offices, are reportedly at high risk.
According to the advisory, hackers are using fake calls, fraudulent links, and OTP (one-time password) phishing techniques to gain access to accounts. Victims are often contacted by individuals posing as IT or telecom officials, who then trick them into sharing sensitive details or clicking malicious links, which results in account hijacking.
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The National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) has advised users to immediately uninstall and reinstall WhatsApp if their account is compromised. After reinstalling, users should verify their account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to strengthen security against future attacks.
Cybersecurity experts warn that attackers may demand money from contacts or misuse private data after hacking accounts. With WhatsApp being widely used for both personal communication and official business, authorities are urging users to stay vigilant and follow security best practices.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of avoiding suspicious links, calls, and OTP requests to prevent account compromise. Users are also encouraged to regularly update apps and passwords and maintain awareness of ongoing cyber threats.
In summary, WhatsApp hacking incidents in Pakistan are on the rise, posing serious risks to individuals and organizations alike. Users are advised to take immediate protective measures to secure their accounts.
