The WhatsApp security code is an important part of keeping your conversations secure. This six-digit code helps verify that your calls and messages are end-to-end encrypted.
If your contact’s security code has changed, it could mean their WhatsApp account was re-registered on a new device. There are a few reasons this can happen – some harmless, and others that may indicate your contact’s account has been compromised.
What is the WhatsApp security code?
The WhatsApp security code is a unique six-digit number assigned to each account. It helps verify the identity of your contacts and ensure your chats are end-to-end encrypted.
This code is generated using the signal protocol designed by Open Whisper Systems. It utilizes your contact’s private encryption key to generate the code. This means only your intended recipient’s device can produce their correct security code.
Where to find the security code
You can find a contact’s security code in a few places:
- When you first add a contact, WhatsApp will show you their security code and ask you to verify it matches what’s shown on their device.
- In personal and group chats, you can tap the contact’s name at the top and select Encryption to view their security code again.
- In Settings > Account > Security, you can see the security codes for all of your contacts.
Verifying these codes periodically can help ensure your chats have not been compromised.
Why does the security code change?
There are a few legitimate reasons your contact’s security code may change:
They reinstalled WhatsApp
If your contact recently uninstalled WhatsApp and then reinstalled it, they will be assigned a new security code. This is normal behavior when re-registering an account.
They got a new phone
Similarly, if your contact got a new device and activated WhatsApp on it, they will also be given a new security code. Each device has its own code.
They reverted to an old backup
Your contact may have restored an old backup of their chats and account data. This reverts their encryption keys to a previous state, changing their security code.
Their phone OS was updated
Major updates to your contact’s phone OS (like iOS or Android) can sometimes trigger a change in their security code as new encryption keys are generated.
Their WhatsApp security code expired
WhatsApp has a feature that causes security codes to expire periodically. This ensures keys stay up to date over time. When a code expires, a new one is generated automatically.
When a changed code is suspicious
While the above reasons are harmless, a changed security code may also indicate your contact’s WhatsApp account has been compromised. Here are some suspicious scenarios:
You didn’t receive a notification
Normally when a security code changes, WhatsApp will notify you with an alert asking you to verify your contact’s new code. If their code changed without this notice, something may be wrong.
Your contact claims they didn’t re-register
If your contact swears they didn’t reinstall WhatsApp or get a new phone recently, their account may have been taken over by someone else.
Suspicious messages appear
If odd or out-of-character messages start appearing after a security code change, your contact’s account may be compromised by another person.
Unknown device shows in notification
The change notification will specify which device is associated with the new code. If it’s a device you don’t recognize, that’s a red flag.
What to do if you think your contact’s account is hacked
If you believe your contact’s WhatsApp account has been compromised, here are some things you can do:
Notify your contact
Let your contact know about the suspicious security code change immediately. They may not be aware their account was hacked.
Warn others in group chats
If you and the compromised account are both in group chats, notify the other participants about the situation.
Encourage your contact to secure their account
Your contact should go enable two-step verification and change passwords on their account immediately to lock out the hacker.
Stop messaging until the issue is resolved
Halt communication with the account until your contact has regained control and reset their security code to prevent the hacker from accessing more messages.
Report the account to WhatsApp
You can submit a report to WhatsApp about the compromised account so they can investigate and take action.
How to prevent WhatsApp account hacks
While you don’t have direct control over your contacts’ account security, there are some precautions you and your contacts can take to avoid hacking:
Enable two-factor authentication
Adding an extra layer of authentication makes it much harder for hackers to take over an account.
Be wary of phishing attempts
Don’t click suspicious links or provide private info that could allow your password to be reset.
Use strong, unique passwords
Weak or reused passwords make accounts an easy target. Generate random, complex passwords for each service.
Limit WhatsApp Web sessions
Don’t stay logged into WhatsApp on shared or public computers, as this gives hackers access.
Keep your device OS up to date
Security updates patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
Install antivirus software
Antivirus programs provide protection against malware that may try to steal your WhatsApp info.
Review your security info
Periodically check your security code list and authorized devices to look for anything suspicious.
When changed codes are not a concern
While it’s important to be vigilant about security code changes, there are some cases where a changed code is nothing to worry about:
- You were notified of the change and your contact confirms they re-registered their account.
- The notification specified your contact’s known device (like “iPhone 11”)
- Your contact stopped using WhatsApp for a while and just reactivated it.
- You and your contact communicate infrequently, and it’s been months since you last verified codes.
As long as the change has a logical explanation and your contact can confirm they authorized it, there’s likely no cause for concern.
Conclusion
A changed WhatsApp security code can mean your contact’s account was hacked, but it could also be due to harmless reasons like getting a new phone. Notify your contact anytime their code changes unexpectedly. Encourage them to enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords to secure their account if you suspect unauthorized access. With vigilance and proper precautions, you and your contacts can feel confident your WhatsApp chats are safe from prying eyes.