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Whatsapp has been one of the most common and widely used communication application in the recent years. Here are some tips on what you should do when your Whatsapp account had been compromised and how to detect it.

1. Log out of all active sessions:
   • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
   • Navigate to WhatsApp Web/Desktop.
   • If you see any active sessions that you don’t recognize, log out of all of them.
2. Change your WhatsApp password:
   • Go to Settings > Account > Change Number.
   • Enter your old phone number and the new phone number.
   • Follow the prompts to verify your new number.
   • Change your password immediately.
3. Enable two-step verification:
   • Open WhatsApp and go to Settings.
   • Navigate to Account > Two-step verification.
   • Enable two-step verification and set up a PIN.
   • This adds an extra layer of security to your account.
4. Contact WhatsApp support:
   • Report the issue to WhatsApp by sending an email to support@whatsapp.com.
   • Provide them with your phone number and a brief explanation of the issue.
5. Secure your phone:
   • Update your phone’s operating system to the latest version.
   • Install and run a reputable antivirus or anti-malware app on your device.
   • Check for any suspicious apps installed on your phone and uninstall them.
6. Notify your contacts:
   • Let your friends and family know that your account may have been compromised.
   • Advise them to ignore any suspicious messages from your account.
7. Monitor your account:
   • Regularly check your WhatsApp settings and account activity for any unauthorized changes.
   • Be vigilant for any unusual behavior on your account.
8. Consider using two-factor authentication on your phone:
   • If available, enable two-factor authentication for your phone number through your mobile service provider.

One may wonder how do you even detect the account takeover in the first place? The following are some signs that may indicate an account takeover.

1. Unusual Activity:
   • If you notice unusual activity, such as messages you didn’t send, calls you didn’t make, or changes to your profile that you didn’t authorize, it could be a sign of a compromised account.
2. Unexpected Password Change:
   • If you suddenly find that your password has been changed without your knowledge, it’s a strong indicator that someone else may have gained access to your account.
3. Logged-in Devices:
   • WhatsApp provides a feature to see which devices are currently logged into your account. If you see unfamiliar devices or locations, it may suggest unauthorized access.
     • On WhatsApp, go to Settings > WhatsApp Web/Desktop to see the list of active sessions.
4. Unexpected Two-Step Verification Disablement:
   • If someone gains access to your account, they may try to disable two-step verification. If you receive a notification about two-step verification being disabled, but you didn’t do it, it could indicate a security issue.
5. Missing Messages or Contacts:
   • If you notice that messages or contacts have disappeared from your account without your action, it might be a sign of unauthorized access.

If you observe any of these signs, take immediate action to secure your account following the steps mentioned in the previous response. Changing your password, enabling two-step verification, and logging out of active sessions are crucial steps to regain control of your WhatsApp account.

Additionally, keep an eye on your email accounts and other connected services, as a compromise in one account could potentially lead to unauthorized access in others. Regularly review and update your security settings to help prevent future unauthorized access.