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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

One student – nine awards

2012-04-04

Marina Viljoen
2 April 2012

Marina Viljoen was also a recipient of one of the university’s Dean’s Medals at the Autumn Graduation Ceremony. Apart from the Dean’s Medal, Marina also received nine awards at the Faculty of Law’s prize-giving ceremony. She was awarded the degree LL.B. (summa cum laude).

Marina is studying for her LL.M. degree, while doing her articles at Webbers Attorneys in Bloemfontein. “Kovsies definitely has the best law faculty in the country. The lecturers are really friendly and very helpful,” said Marina.
Heyns du Preez received the Dean’s Medal in the Faculty of Theology. He completed a B.Th. degree, and is registered for a M.Th. degree in Pastoral Studies. He works part-time at the student church on the Bloemfontein Campus of the university.

Maryke du Toit also received her degree at this year’s Autumn Graduation Ceremony. She is the daughter of Yolanda du Toit, a staff member at the university. Maryke, who has already completed her B.Com. Law degree, received her LL.B. (cum laude).

She is currently studying at the university’s Centre for Financial Planning as a certified financial planner. “Kovsies has been an unforgettable student experience with the beautiful campus, excellent lecturers and course. I’ve enjoyed every moment,” she said.

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