ISLAMABAD: The National Cyber Crimes Investigation Authority (NCCIA), on the verge of the New Year, has sounded a warning signal concerning internet fraud.
According to the NCCIA, dishonest advertisements that promise “New Year greeting links” and fake present offers are very much in the air. The agency suggests that people should avoid clicking on any unfamiliar links and that they should not ever disclose their WhatsApp verification codes to anyone.
According to experts, fraudsters are using the method of sending malware-embedded greeting cards and links through WhatsApp. If one clicks on these links, hackers may get access to personal data, such as pictures, contacts, and even bank account information.
The NCCIA calls for the public to be constantly vigilant and to keep their online Christmas parties free from the threat of cybercriminals by avoiding dubious links.
NCCIA issues warning on WhatsApp hacking, advises immediate action
On December 14, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) alerted WhatsApp users about hacking risks and shared recommendations for prompt steps to safeguard their accounts.
The NCCIA recommended that users who lose control over their accounts or believe their accounts have been accessed without permission should take action and re-register their accounts. If hacking occurs users are advised to uninstall. Then reinstall WhatsApp before signing in with their phone number. They must quickly input the six-digit verification code received through SMS.
After the code is input the hacker will be logged out automatically since WhatsApp permits one active session on each device.
The agency also responded to worries regarding the “Two-Step Verification” function clarifying that users might need to wait long as seven days if a hacker has activated it and the user lacks the PIN. NCCIA assured users that, throughout this waiting time the hacker is unable to read messages or operate the account.
Furthermore, the NCCIA brought to the attention that in case a user has previously linked an email address, they can simply click on “Forgot PIN” and change their PIN instantly without waiting for a reset.
The institution stressed that immediate intervention is capable of stopping the occurrence of unauthorized access and safeguarding the personal data of the user from the hands of hackers.
