In a world where over 3 billion monthly active users rely on WhatsApp for sending more than 150 billion messages daily, the platform has become a critical communication tool and a target for hackers looking to steal accounts for malicious purposes, such as extortion or data theft. The evolution of social engineering techniques and malware has simplified hacking, as it often exploits user errors or interactions with suspicious links and attachments rather than requiring advanced technical skills.

The warning signs of a potential hack begin with noticing unusual activity beyond typical personal use, such as receiving messages from contacts that were not added or messages being sent from the account without the owner’s knowledge. Additionally, receiving a verification code without requesting it indicates an account takeover attempt, which requires users to ignore such notifications and not share the code, as hacks often start with phishing messages asking for it. Furthermore, a notification saying "your phone number is registered on a new device" confirms a potential hacking attempt.

From a technical standpoint, WhatsApp provides features that can help users secure their accounts. By staying alert to these signs and proactively protecting their accounts, users can significantly reduce the risk of being hacked and safeguard their conversations and personal data effectively. The article serves not just as an informative piece but also as a call for better awareness of cyber threats in the realm of everyday applications like WhatsApp.