WhatsApp: how to know if your account has been hacked?

Despite its small flaws, WhatsApp still has end-to-end encryption that prohibits a third party from recovering your messages, even someone from the company. However, problems can arise when using WhatsApp on your PC by synchronizing your account with your smartphone. In these cases, PC malware can potentially intercept the data by modifying the code of the web page. To prepare for any eventuality, the company Meta owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp has decided to partner with Cloudflare to offer a plugin on browsers Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge. Just search for “Code Verify” in the list of extensions and install it. After, connect your WhatsApp account to the page whatsapp web as you are used to doing by scanning the QR code with your smartphone (go to WhatsApp then in the menu with the three small dots, choose Connected devices).

Three colors to avoid data interception

Code Verify will then check the code that runs when launching WhatsApp on your browser. In the search bar you will then have a green icon if there is no anomaly, an orange icon in case of doubt (refresh the page, wait a bit or activate/deactivate the plugin) and red when there is a big inconsistency. Be careful, a red icon does not necessarily mean that your conversation is being spied on, because other extensions can also alter the code. If your icon turns red as soon as the connection is established, there is a problem. Do not use the web version of WhatsApp until you have thoroughly scanned your computer with an antivirus.

Pay attention when the icon changes color and follow the procedure…