1- How to protect yourself immediately?
WhatsApp is secure, but it's not completely immune. Here are four real ways your account could be hacked, along with immediate protection steps:
1️⃣ Malicious GIFs:
Animated images may contain malicious code.
🔹 Protection: Don't open GIFs from unknown sources, and keep WhatsApp updated.
2️⃣ Call Attacks (Zero Click):
A single call could be exploited to hack your phone.
🔹 Protection: Update your system and app, and use a separate device for sensitive work.
3️⃣ Group Message Forgery:
Attackers exploit trust to forge responses or impersonate others.
🔹 Protection: Verify the sender by voice and enable two-step verification.
4️⃣ Media Substitution:
Malicious apps may replace your images or files with fake ones.
🔹 Security: Turn off auto-saving of media and review app permissions.
⚙️ Immediate steps:
Enable two-step verification.
Turn off auto-downloading of media.
Check the devices linked to your account.
Always keep WhatsApp and your phone's system up to date.