The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a fresh security advisory urging WhatsApp users to strengthen their account protection against hacking attempts and online fraud. The regulator warned that cybercriminals continue to target messaging accounts through unauthorised access, making it essential for users to adopt stronger security practices.
In its latest advisory, the PTA encouraged users to activate Security Notifications within WhatsApp. This feature can be enabled by navigating to Settings > Account > Security Notifications and turning on the “Show Security Notifications” option. Once activated, users will receive alerts whenever important security changes are detected on their accounts, helping them identify suspicious activity at an early stage.
The authority also recommended linking a secure and regularly accessible email address to every WhatsApp account. According to the PTA, a verified email address can play a vital role in recovering access if an account is compromised or locked due to unauthorised activity.
Another key recommendation is enabling Two-Step Verification, which provides an additional layer of security by requiring a personal PIN during account verification. The regulator described this feature as one of the most effective ways to prevent hackers from gaining unauthorised access to users’ accounts, even if they obtain a verification code.
The PTA emphasised that these simple security measures can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks while protecting users’ personal information, conversations, contacts, and sensitive digital data. Without these protections, individuals may become vulnerable to identity theft, scams, financial fraud, and the loss of important information.
The authority urged all WhatsApp users to review their security settings immediately and ensure recommended features are enabled. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the PTA stressed that taking proactive steps to secure messaging accounts is essential for maintaining online privacy and digital safety. By following these recommendations, users can minimise security risks and enjoy a safer communication experience on one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms.
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