Recently, rumors have been circulating that WhatsApp can be hacked simply by missing a call on your phone. The claims state that criminals are exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp to gain access to users’ accounts and data by calling them and having them miss the call. This has raised concerns among many WhatsApp users about the security of their accounts.
How the WhatsApp missed call hacking scam works
The supposed WhatsApp hacking technique works like this:
- The hacker calls the target’s phone number.
- The target misses the call, so it goes to voicemail.
- The hacker is then able to exploit a vulnerability in WhatsApp to gain access to the target’s WhatsApp account.
By simply calling and having the target miss the call, the hacker can then access all of the target’s WhatsApp messages, photos, videos and contacts.
Is this WhatsApp hacking technique real?
While this purported hacking technique has gained a lot of traction online recently, there is no evidence that it actually works. WhatsApp has not confirmed any vulnerability that would allow an attacker to hack an account simply by calling a phone number.
No evidence of successful hacks
Despite the proliferation of this scam, no concrete instances of the WhatsApp missed call hack being successfully carried out have surfaced so far. There are no verified reports of accounts being compromised solely through this missed call method.
WhatsApp’s security measures
WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption in place to protect the privacy of its users’ communications. This means only the sender and recipient of a message can read its contents, not even WhatsApp itself. WhatsApp messages are secured with locks and only the recipient and sender have these special keys needed to unlock and read them.
To hack WhatsApp via a missed call, the attacker would have to break WhatsApp’s sophisticated end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp’s large user base of over 2 billion worldwide makes this highly unlikely.
Scam attempts related to the WhatsApp missed call hack
While no evidence supports the notion that this hack actually works, scammers and hackers have still been able to capitalize on the rumors around it to try and manipulate victims. Some ways they do this include:
Tricking users into calling or messaging them
Scammers have left voicemails or sent messages pretending to be from a friend or company, asking the user to call them back urgently to avoid being hacked. When users call back, high phone charges apply or they download malware onto their device.
Phishing attacks
Phishing websites and messages pretend to be from WhatsApp and ask users to enter their credentials or download an update to protect themselves from the missed call hack. In reality, they steal login information.
Spreading malware
Posts, videos or files claiming to protect against the hack may contain malware designed to infect users’ devices and enable spying.
Tips to avoid WhatsApp missed call hacks and scams
While the missed call hack itself appears to be a hoax, there are still steps users can take to enhance their WhatsApp security and avoid scams:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls and messages asking you to urgently call back or click a link.
- Never give your WhatsApp PIN code to anyone asking for it.
- Use two-step verification on WhatsApp for added security.
- Keep WhatsApp updated to the latest version.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links claiming to protect you from hackers.
- Install antivirus software from a reputable company.
- Never provide your WhatsApp login details unless on the official WhatsApp website and you initiated the login.
Can WhatsApp ever be hacked by a missed call?
While extremely unlikely, some cybersecurity experts argue that in the realm of cybersecurity, nothing can be stated as impossible. As technology evolves, new vulnerabilities are sometimes discovered in software previously thought to be very secure.
However, WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their encryption makes any potential hacking via a missed call seem highly implausible. WhatsApp has stated they are constantly working to improve the app’s security. The company even offers a bug bounty program where security researchers can report vulnerabilities in return for a reward. This reduces the chances of unknown exploits existing.
It’s important to remember WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users worldwide. Such a hugely popular platform is constantly being probed for weaknesses by hackers of all kinds. If a missed call hack was even remotely possible, it likely would have been discovered and exploited already given WhatsApp’s massive user base.
What hacking methods do work on WhatsApp?
While the missed call technique is very unlikely to result in a hack, there are some proven ways hackers can compromise WhatsApp accounts:
Social engineering
Hackers can socially engineer victims into giving up their WhatsApp verification code or downloading malware. This involves manipulating the target using psychological tricks and impersonation to gain their trust and exploit human vulnerabilities rather than software bugs.
Malware
Malware like spyware can be used to steal WhatsApp data and messages from infected devices. However, this requires the hacker to first infect the victim’s phone which is an extra step not needed in the missed call hoax method.
Accessing cloud backups
If a hacker gains access to the victim’s iCloud or Google Drive backups that include WhatsApp data, they may be able to access the person’s WhatsApp account and content. Proper security practices like having a strong backup password can prevent this.
The dangers of viral WhatsApp hoaxes
Viral WhatsApp scams and hoaxes like the missed call hack have real dangers despite being false:
- They spread fear among users and distrust in WhatsApp’s security capabilities.
- They can enable real hacking through related phishing attacks and malware distribution.
- They waste the time of cybersecurity experts who must investigate them.
- They result in WhatsApp users bothering the company’s support team about hoaxes.
For these reasons, it’s important people check trusted cybersecurity sources rather than blindly share unconfirmed WhatsApp hack claims online.
The bottom line
Based on analysis by cybersecurity experts, there is currently no proof whatsoever that the WhatsApp missed call hacking technique genuinely works. The claims seem to be a hoax intended to spread fear about WhatsApp security. While being cautious of unknown callers and text messages is always wise, users do not need to worry about their accounts being compromised by a single missed call alone. As long as proper security precautions are taken, WhatsApp remains a very secure messaging platform through the use of end-to-end encryption. However, it is still important for users to remain vigilant about potential new hacking techniques that may emerge in the future.