Alert Issued on Account Hacking Threats by Law Enforcement
Headline: Warning Issued: Protect Your Messaging App Accounts from Hackers
In a recent warning, the Ministry of Internal Affairs advises citizens to be vigilant when using messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. Scammers may attempt to deceive users by using their full names during conversations, and it's essential to pay attention to any unusual behavior.
Unusual Behavior to Watch Out For
If you suspect that a friend's account has been hacked, look for signs such as:
- Sudden strange messages or spam sent from their account that they wouldn't normally send.
- Alerts or notifications about new logins from unknown devices, IP addresses, or locations.
- Friends reporting that they received suspicious messages or links from your friend's account.
- Your friend suddenly disappearing, being locked out, or repeatedly being asked to re-login.
- Changes in their profile details without their consent, such as a changed profile picture, status, or linked phone number/email.
Additionally, if you receive unexpected verification codes or password reset messages related to their account, it might indicate someone attempted to breach it.
Specific Signs on Telegram and WhatsApp
On Telegram or WhatsApp, if you notice your friend’s account behaving oddly—like sending messages they deny sending or adding new contacts unwillingly—that may suggest a compromise. If your friend’s device is showing rapid battery drain, high data use, or unfamiliar apps, it could mean malware is involved, affecting their messaging apps too, which is a red flag of hacking.
Steps to Secure Your Account
If you suspect a compromise, communicate your concerns directly with your friend to ensure their account security measures are updated. Encourage them to:
- Immediately change their account password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Check login sessions and active devices within the app to log out unauthorized sessions.
- Be cautious about suspicious messages or links they might have clicked.
General Advice
No messaging app will typically send you explicit notifications if a friend's account was hacked, so these behavioral and technical clues are key indicators. Using personal messengers for work purposes may put accounts at risk of data leaks and hacks, as mentioned by Roman Cherednikov, the director of the DION portfolio projects (IT holding T1).
Activating two-factor authentication and using an additional password are steps suggested by the MVD to secure messaging app accounts. Using an additional password for app login is also advised to secure accounts. Unusual changes in communication style, such as using "you" instead of a familiar term, could indicate hacked accounts.
Conclusion
In light of these potential risks, it's crucial to follow the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to protect accounts on messaging apps. Stay vigilant, and keep your accounts secure.
If you're using Telegram or WhatsApp, be aware that hackers could compromise your account, which could lead to unusual behavior such as sending messages you didn't authorize or adding unwanted contacts. To protect your account, it's essential to activate two-factor authentication (2FA), update your password regularly, and be cautious about clicking suspicious links. Cybersecurity in technology, like protecting messaging app accounts, is crucial in maintaining privacy and security in our digital world.
