Econet Wireless has urged subscribers to strengthen the security of their WhatsApp accounts amid growing reports of hacking and social engineering scams targeting mobile users.
The telecommunications company advised customers to activate WhatsApp Passkeys and two-step verification to reduce the risk of unauthorised access and make it easier to recover compromised accounts.
“We once again urge customers to protect themselves by proactively securing their WhatsApp accounts by selecting the login and security settings on their WhatsApp profile, and enabling WhatsApp Passkeys, as well as activating the two-step authentication on their account,” an Econet spokesperson said.
The company said the additional security measures provide another layer of protection against account hijacking, while encouraging subscribers to remain vigilant when communicating online.
Econet said it had been using multiple communication channels to educate customers on measures they can take to safeguard their accounts and personal information.
These include enabling two-step verification with a six-digit PIN and recovery email address, never sharing verification codes or security PINs, and regularly checking linked devices to remove any unfamiliar connections.
Subscribers were also urged to keep WhatsApp updated with the latest software releases and security patches, check their call-forwarding settings for unauthorised changes and avoid dialling unverified codes beginning with * or **.
The company cautioned users against scanning unknown QR codes or WhatsApp pairing codes displayed on unfamiliar websites and devices, and advised them to log out of WhatsApp Web sessions they no longer use.
Econet further warned subscribers to be wary of messages that create a sense of urgency or request confidential information, as well as suspicious links that may appear to come from people they know.
Customers were encouraged to independently verify requests for money, account information or verification codes by calling the purported sender directly before taking any action.
The advisory comes as mobile users face growing risks from social engineering tactics, in which fraudsters manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information or granting access to their accounts.
Econet urged subscribers to make account security a priority by combining available protection features with caution when responding to unsolicited messages and requests.
