CEM REPORT, ICT | The Computer Security Incident Response Team of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a warning to WhatsApp users in the country to safeguard their privacy.
The team states that WhatsApp is increasingly becoming a primary target for hackers and scammers seeking unauthorized access to users’ accounts to carry out fraudulent activities.
The NCC-CSIRT in its latest advisory advised users in Nigeria to set up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to protect their accounts and privacy from hackers.
avoid falling victim to account takeover by hackers.
“In the world of messaging apps, one of the most popular and recognizable is WhatsApp. WhatsApp is 100 per cent free to use, has a great mobile app, and supports audio and video calls. Whether you rely on WhatsApp for all your messaging needs or just use it from time to time, it is recommended to set it up with two-factor authentication (2FA). With this enabled, you will need to enter a custom PIN every time you log in to WhatsApp from a new device, adding an extra layer of security to your account.”
The advisory explained that WhatsApp provides an optional two-factor authentication that adds more security to WhatsApp accounts which users can further secure their accounts using a PIN.
“2FA gives businesses or people the ability to monitor and help safeguard their most vulnerable information and networks. The 2FA is important because it prevents cybercriminals from stealing, destroying, or accessing your internal data records for their use.”
How to setup two-factor authentication;
The CSIRT highlighted steps for enabling 2FA on WhatsApp, which include the following steps:
Open WhatsApp
Tap Settings
Tap Account
Tap Two-Step Verification
Tap Enable
Enter the Six-Digit PIN you wish to use
Tap Next, then enter it a second time to confirm it
Tap Next, and Add an email address for extra security (this step is optional but it is an extra way to retrieve your account if you forget your Pin)
