With online scams and hacking attempts skyrocketing in 2024, protecting your WhatsApp account has never been more critical. Cybercriminals are constantly devising new tricks—from fake OTP requests to suspicious international calls—to break into your private conversations. While no system is 100% hack-proof, implementing a few simple security features can dramatically reduce your risk.
Here are three proven WhatsApp security tips to fortify your account against unauthorized access.
1. Enable Two-Step Verification for Instant Protection
Two-step verification remains the most powerful defense mechanism WhatsApp offers. When activated, you create a custom 6-digit PIN that acts as a gatekeeper. Even if a hacker manages to obtain your SIM card or verification code, they cannot register your number on a new device without entering this PIN.
How to activate it:
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings
- Tap Account > Two-step verification
- Select Turn on and create your 6-digit PIN
- (Optional) Add an email address to reset your PIN if forgotten
This single step blocks the vast majority of SIM-swap and phishing attacks.
2. Create a Passkey for Seamless, Stronger Security
WhatsApp has rolled out passkey support for enhanced account protection. Think of a passkey as a biometric upgrade to your password—it uses your fingerprint, face scan, or device PIN to verify your identity. Unlike traditional passwords, passkeys cannot be phished or stolen through data breaches.
To set up a passkey:
- Navigate to Settings > Account
- Select Passkeys and tap Create passkey
- Follow your device's authentication prompts
Once enabled, this feature ensures that only you—and your biometrics—can access your WhatsApp account, even if someone knows your phone number.
3. Silence Unknown Callers to Block Scam Attempts
Fraudsters frequently target WhatsApp users with international calls from unknown numbers. These calls often precede phishing attempts or financial scams. While you cannot block all unknown numbers outright, WhatsApp's "Silence Unknown Callers" feature prevents your phone from ringing when scammers call.
Enable it in seconds:
- Go to Settings > Privacy
- Tap Calls
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers
Your phone will still log these calls in your recent calls list, but you won't be disturbed. Legitimate contacts already saved in your address book will ring normally.
Why These Steps Matter Right Now
Digital security experts warn that WhatsApp scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. "Most hacks succeed not because of advanced coding, but because users overlook basic security settings," notes cybersecurity analyst Priya Sharma. "Enabling two-step verification and passkeys creates barriers that most hackers won't bother trying to break."
Protecting your WhatsApp account doesn't require technical expertise or expensive software. These three WhatsApp security tips—two-step verification, passkeys, and silencing unknown callers—take less than five minutes to implement but provide continuous protection against evolving threats.
Take action today. Your privacy is worth the effort.
