Smartphones are ideal targets for hackers as they contain so much personal information all in one place, from email and phone contacts to banking and social media details. This information can be used by hackers to steal identities, sell them on the dark web, and perform a variety of other cybercrimes.
Cybercriminals are always refining their methods, making their attacks increasingly difficult to spot. We have heard of the phone and call tapping but recently there has been a debate that if WhatsApp calls can be tapped.
Can WhatsApp audio or video call be hacked?
Bugging can occur at all kinds of levels from political worthies to average people with no technological wisdom. A cyber security expert claims that since nothing is impossible and no code is perfect, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption makes it safer.
However, WhatsApp employs some of the best coders around, and the business has invested heavily in the security of its messenger. Therefore, for not-so-pro hackers, it is ‘almost impossible’ to hack WhatsApp.
All WhatsApp conversations—video or audio—are encrypted from beginning to end. Although the implementation of that encryption can’t be examined for security because the app is closed-source.
However, let’s presume it’s solid. Any video or audio data sent during your video chats that are end-to-end encrypted can only be decoded on the device you’re using to make the call. So even if anyone were to intercept the data, they couldn’t decrypt it, it’d be useless. Not ‘leakable’ in that manner.
Unless you exploit your smartphone by doing these and have it compromised by:
- Installing third-party apps or particularly APKs (not from the play store) which are modified by developers
- Allowing hackers to install malware on your phone so they can access anything by clicking on a link
- Installing fake WhatsApp, such as WhatsApp PLUS or GB WHATSAPP
Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks or even data sniffing can be used to collect video processing from your device. However, a hacker must first get access, which it does by utilising social engineering to trick you into clicking links or downloading files.
By simply copying the WhatsApp database file and encryption key from your phone by using some software, anyone may read your message.
Each WiFi network adapter smartphone has a 12-character MAC address, a unique identification number that can be falsified. Hackers can use the MAC address of your phone to replicate your WhatsApp on their system.
How to protect your WhatsApp account
- Never give your phone to someone you don’t trust.
- Keep your messages locked down with a different key so that no one else can see your messages.
- Go to your WhatsApp settings and select “log-out from all browsers” or a comparable option if you are signed into numerous devices using your number to access WhatsApp Web.
How to enable two-step verification
To enable two-step verification, open WhatsApp > Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable.
You will be prompted to create a password at this step, which will stop someone else from using your phone number for WhatsApp verification.
Additionally, according to the experts, hackers won’t be able to track the user’s whereabouts if they don’t get access to any vital information.
Phantom Calls
A call is deemed Phantom if there is no one chatting from the other side. They all come from various numbers, and you won’t be able to hear any of them. You should report PTA if you frequently receive phantom calls. Most likely, a hacker is attempting to access your mobile device if you receive excessive random calls.
Random messages
We must have gotten several texts from unknown sources. Just checking a text message will not cause your phone to be hacked. You should use caution when clicking on links or using coupon coupons in communications, though. Consider whether the link looks authentic before clicking it to ensure that your personal information won’t be disclosed.
Malicious links
You can accidentally tap a malicious link and wind up installing spyware on your phone, that may transmit private information to hackers, if you are unable to identify this fake message. Or else, you can be taken to phishing websites that request information from your private accounts.
Therefore, if you receive a text message advertising a great offer that requires you to click on a link in order to activate it, wait before doing so. As these links will direct you to a trap. This can considerably decrease the risk of someone hacking into your phone using messages.
By avoiding suspicious links and only downloading apps from Apple and Google stores, we can reduce the risk of being hacked.
