If you suspect that someone may be tapping into or monitoring your WhatsApp messages, there are several signs and indicators that could suggest unusual activity. While no method can provide 100% certainty without access to the device, here are some common signs that WhatsApp might be compromised:
1. Unexplained Logouts or Account Switches
- What to look for: If you’re suddenly logged out of your WhatsApp account or notice that your account is logged into a different device without your knowledge, this could be a sign that someone else is using your account.
- What to do: Check your WhatsApp Web sessions:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices (or WhatsApp Web/Desktop).
- Review any devices that are connected to your WhatsApp and log out of any you don’t recognize.
2. Unusual Data Usage
- What to look for: If you notice a significant increase in data usage on your phone, particularly when you’re not actively using WhatsApp, this could be a sign that someone is remotely monitoring your messages or calls.
- What to do: You can check data usage in your phone’s settings to see if WhatsApp is using an unusually high amount of data.
3. Notifications of New Devices
- What to look for: WhatsApp will notify you when your account is linked to a new device via WhatsApp Web or the desktop version. If you’re not the one linking your account, this could indicate someone else has gained access.
- What to do: Always check if you have received any unexpected messages or notifications about new devices linking to your account.
4. Strange Behavior in WhatsApp
- What to look for: If your WhatsApp behaves strangely, like suddenly sending messages that you didn’t type, or if conversations seem altered or missing, it could indicate unauthorized access.
- What to do: Monitor for such anomalies and check if your account has been compromised. If so, change your password and enable two-factor authentication.
5. Battery Draining Faster Than Usual
- What to look for: A sudden and significant drop in your phone’s battery life can indicate that someone is using spyware or monitoring apps to track your WhatsApp activity.
- What to do: Check your phone’s battery usage details to see if any apps, including WhatsApp, are using an unusually high amount of power.
6. Unexpected Messages or Media
- What to look for: If you find messages or media (photos, videos) in your chats that you didn’t send, or if your WhatsApp contacts report receiving strange messages from you, someone may have access to your account.
- What to do: Review the sent messages and check for any discrepancies. Also, make sure you have strong passwords on all devices and services that could be linked to your account.
7. Delayed Message Deliveries
- What to look for: Sometimes, if someone is monitoring your messages in real-time, it can cause delays in sending or receiving messages, as the intermediary could be intercepting them.
- What to do: Keep an eye on your message delivery status (tick marks) and investigate any delays that seem out of the ordinary.
8. Unusual WhatsApp Web Activity
- What to look for: If someone is using WhatsApp Web or the desktop version of WhatsApp to monitor your chats, they would need to scan a QR code from your phone. If you notice activity on WhatsApp Web that you didn’t initiate, someone may have access.
- What to do: Regularly check the Linked Devices section to see if any unfamiliar devices are connected to your account and log them out immediately.
9. Two-Step Verification Problems
- What to look for: If you’ve set up two-step verification on your WhatsApp account, and you’re suddenly prompted to verify your phone number again (without your initiation), this could mean someone has attempted to hijack your account.
- What to do: Make sure your two-step verification is properly set up and that you have a strong PIN. Also, check if you’ve received any suspicious SMS or email verification attempts.
10. Presence of Unknown Apps or Settings
- What to look for: Some spy apps or monitoring tools can be installed on your phone without your knowledge. If you notice unfamiliar apps or settings that you didn’t configure, they could be used for spying purposes.
- What to do: Check for any unknown apps in your device’s settings or app list. You can use an antivirus or anti-spyware app to scan for malicious software.
What You Can Do to Secure Your WhatsApp:
- Enable Two-Step Verification:
- Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification and enable it. This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
- Log Out from WhatsApp Web/Desktop:
- Go to Settings > Linked Devices and log out of any unfamiliar sessions.
- Update Your WhatsApp and Device Regularly:
- Ensure your WhatsApp and phone’s operating system are up-to-date to avoid security vulnerabilities.
- Use Strong Passwords:
- Make sure you use strong and unique passwords for your device and accounts, especially for your Google or iCloud account (which can be used for WhatsApp backups).
- Install Anti-Spying Apps:
- Use reputable security apps to detect and remove any malware or spyware on your phone.
- Monitor Your Phone’s Battery and Data Usage:
- Regularly check if any apps are using more data or battery than usual, which might indicate suspicious activity.
- Reinstall WhatsApp:
- If you’re still concerned, reinstall WhatsApp after backing up your chats. This can help eliminate any unauthorized access.
By staying vigilant and following these precautions, you can help secure your WhatsApp account from unauthorized access or tapping. If you ever suspect that your account has been compromised, take immediate action to secure it.