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Don’t get hacked; protect your WhatsApp account

08 October 2020 Photo Istock

Whatsapp security — It is important to be safe when using WhatsApp. Do not leave your phone unattended when you are not close by.

There are 2 billion WhatsApp users in the world, and 1,6 billion WhatsApp users access their accounts on a daily basis.

However, it is important to also be safe when using this popular communication tool.

According to Cobus van Jaarsveld, Assistant Director: Threat Detection, Investigations and Liaison in Protection Services, it does happen that people’s WhatsApp accounts get hacked; this is a serious violation of privacy.

“It means a third party now has unlimited access to your personal chats, information, media – and in some instances, they can also masquerade as you by deleting your chats, replying to your chats, and committing crimes. That’s just the tip of the iceberg of how harmful it can be to get hacked,” says Van Jaarsveld.

He adds: “Hackers can access your WhatsApp data by various means, e.g. via WhatsApp web or registering your number on another device.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) provided the following tips to prevent one’s WhatsApp from getting hacked:

• Log out from all computers that you see in the list under WhatsApp Web. This will stop hackers from further reading your chats. However, this should be done every time you use WhatsApp web.
• Do not leave your phone unattended when you are out.
• Lock all your apps to prevent unknown people from accessing your apps.
• Do not connect your phone to unknown Wi-Fi connections, as hackers can also use the unique MAC address to access all your WhatsApp chats.
• In case your WhatsApp has already been hacked, deactivate your account by emailing support@whatsapp.com. Your account will be automatically deleted if not accessed for 30 days.
• Enable two-step verification under your WhatsApp account settings. This will add an extra layer of security to the app.
• Lock WhatsApp. It is imperative to have the AppLocker that will help you lock your WhatsApp. While WhatsApp does not offer this application per se, you can download it and the app will facilitate the use of your WhatsApp with a password or PIN. This will help to prevent anyone who has access to your phone from accessing your WhatsApp account, since they will require a password to open it.

News Archive

Life style for resilience

2009-02-02

Wellness presentation: Life style for resilience

The Wellness Committee invites you to attend the Life style for resilience programme from 2 to 5 February 2009.

Yesterday is history, embrace today! Choose life!

Presented on Monday, 2 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Pieré Nel, a psychologist from Bloemfontein. The presentation will take place in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Encouragement to let go of the disappointments and hurts of 2008, to look at yourself in a fresh way, to believe in yourself and to act.

The importance of a healthy lifestyle for physical energy
Presented on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Dr Sorita Viljoen, a medical doctor. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: Health issues that are important for a healthy lifestyle, elements that influence energy balance and factors that influence fullness.

Eat healthier; put a spring back into your step!
Presented on Wednesday 4 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Elmine du Toit, a dietician. The presentation will be in English. The outcomes of the programme are: Putting dietary guidelines for healthy eating into practice when shopping for groceries and making healthier food choices for every meal.

The resilience in bodily activity
Presented on Thursday, 5 February 2009 from 13:00 to 13:45 in the UVpersu Tearoom. The presenter is Ms Berna de Kock, biokineticist. The presentation will be in Afrikaans. The outcomes of the programme are: How physical activity enhances resilience and practical tips to be more active.

Please confirm your attendance with Ms Arina Otto before or on 29 January 2009 at x3325 or gesal@ufs.ac.za .

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