The recent surge in WhatsApp account hacks, particularly among church pastors in Nagaland, has raised significant concern. In the past three days alone, more than 15 pastors have reportedly fallen victim to hackers who use their accounts to solicit fraudulent financial assistance. In response to the growing issue, Naga tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Tabernacle.app, Atoba Longkumer, has shared a comprehensive guide outlining steps to prevent and recover from WhatsApp hacking.

Longkumer, a tech expert whose company serves over 150 churches across the Asia-Pacific region, expressed alarm over the increasing number of cases, stressing the vulnerability of pastors who rely heavily on messaging platforms like WhatsApp to stay connected with their congregations. The misuse of hacked accounts, he noted, has been primarily for financial fraud, where scammers impersonate pastors to request money from their contacts.

How WhatsApp Hacks Occur

Longkumer explained that scammers typically gain access to WhatsApp accounts through several methods. One common tactic is social engineering, where hackers pose as trusted contacts or organizations, tricking users into revealing their six-digit verification codes. Another method, SIM swap fraud, involves scammers stealing personal information to impersonate victims and gain control of their phone numbers. Lastly, phishing links, often disguised as urgent requests or offers, can lead to a breach of account security if clicked.

Steps to Prevent WhatsApp Hacking

To protect WhatsApp accounts, Longkumer recommended several key actions. First and foremost, he advises enabling two-step verification by going to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and setting up a PIN. This additional security measure helps safeguard accounts even if a hacker gains access to the verification code.

He also suggests enabling the “Protect IP Address” feature during WhatsApp calls, which prevents hackers from obtaining the user’s IP address during conversations. To do this, users should go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced and activate the option.

Longkumer also cautions against sharing verification codes with anyone, as WhatsApp will never ask for them. He further recommends avoiding clicking on suspicious links, especially those from contacts asking for money or assistance. Additionally, educating church members to verify financial requests is crucial to preventing fraud.

Signs Your WhatsApp Has Been Hacked

Users should be vigilant for several signs of a hacked account. These include being unexpectedly logged out of WhatsApp, receiving strange messages or requests for money from contacts, or getting notifications about changes to account settings that were not initiated by the user.

How to Recover a Hacked WhatsApp Account

In the unfortunate event that an account is hacked, Longkumer outlined steps for recovery. The first step is to log back into the account by entering the phone number and requesting a new verification code, which will automatically log out the hacker. If that doesn’t work, contacting WhatsApp support via email at support@whatsapp.com with the subject line “Lost/Stolen Account” can help recover access.

Users should also contact their mobile provider to deactivate the current SIM and request a new one, further preventing misuse. It is essential to notify contacts about the hack to prevent them from falling victim to scams. Once the account is recovered, enabling two-step verification should be a priority.

Best Practices for Staying Safe Online

To further enhance security, Longkumer advises using strong, unique passwords for email and mobile accounts linked to WhatsApp. Setting up email notifications for login attempts and changes to connected accounts can also provide early warnings of unauthorized access. Finally, church communities should be encouraged to report any suspicious activity on WhatsApp promptly.

Tabernacle: Empowering Church Leaders with Technology

Tabernacle.app, the church management software co-founded by Longkumer, is designed to help pastors and their teams efficiently manage membership records, finances, and other administrative tasks. The platform is already serving over 150 churches across the Asia-Pacific region, empowering church leaders with the tools to focus on their ministry while safeguarding their digital presence.

By following these preventive measures and acting swiftly in the event of a hack, pastors and church leaders can protect their WhatsApp accounts, maintain trust within their congregation, and continue their essential work without disruption. (For more details, visit www.tabernacle.app)

MT

6 thoughts on “Rising cases of WhatsApp hacking targeting pastors: Expert offers prevention and recovery guide”
  1. my social media account was hacked and cant get it back until my nephew introduced synacktx to me on instagram and i get everything back

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