Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become central to communication in India. From casual conversations with friends to business transactions and official group updates, these platforms carry a wealth of personal and sensitive information. But the popularity of these apps has also made them prime targets for hackers and fraudsters. Understanding how attacks happen and how to secure your accounts is essential for protecting your privacy and preventing financial or identity theft.
One of the most common tactics hackers use is social engineering. They may try to trick you into sharing your one-time password (OTP) that arrives via SMS when setting up WhatsApp or Telegram on a new device. Once they gain this code, they can register your number on their phone, locking you out of your own account. Fraudsters sometimes impersonate known contacts, customer service staff, or even government officials to convince people to share these details. Awareness is the first line of defense—never share your OTP with anyone, no matter the reason they give.
To add another layer of protection, both WhatsApp and Telegram allow you to set a PIN or password for your account, which is required when reinstalling the app or registering it on a new device. On WhatsApp, this feature is called Two-Step Verification. By enabling it in the settings, you create a six-digit PIN that must be entered along with the OTP during registration. This simple step can block hackers from taking over your account even if they manage to get hold of your OTP. On Telegram, you can set up a two-step verification password in addition to the SMS code. Without this password, no one can log into your account on a new device. Setting up these features takes only a few minutes but can prevent the most common type of account hijacking.
Another threat comes from malicious links and files shared in groups or private chats. Hackers may disguise malware as PDFs, APKs, or documents that look harmless but actually infect your phone. Once installed, these apps can steal personal data, read messages, or even forward private information without your knowledge. To stay safe, avoid downloading unknown files or tapping on suspicious links, even if they seem to come from someone you know. Hackers often hijack one account and then use it to spread malicious content to others.
Account cloning is another technique fraudsters use. In this case, they copy your profile picture and name to create a fake account and then contact your friends or relatives asking for money or sensitive details. If anyone receives a message from you requesting urgent financial help, they should verify through a phone call before transferring money. This scam has become increasingly common on WhatsApp in India.
Protecting your privacy settings is equally important. On WhatsApp, you can control who sees your profile picture, last seen, and status updates. Limiting these to “My Contacts” or “Nobody” makes it harder for strangers to collect details about you. On Telegram, enabling features like “Hide phone number” and “Two-step verification” adds extra protection. Always log out of Telegram on devices you no longer use and periodically check active sessions to ensure no one else is logged in with your credentials.
It is also advisable to keep your apps updated. WhatsApp and Telegram regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Using outdated versions makes your account more exposed to new exploits. Installing updates from the official app stores ensures you are protected by the latest security fixes.
Backing up chats also requires caution. While WhatsApp offers cloud backups through Google Drive or iCloud, these backups may not always be encrypted by default. If you choose to enable backups, use strong account security on your Google or Apple ID, including two-factor authentication, to prevent unauthorized access.
Protecting your WhatsApp and Telegram accounts is less about technical skill and more about consistent good habits. By enabling two-step verification, avoiding suspicious links, managing your privacy settings, and staying updated, you can reduce the risk of hacking attempts significantly. For Indian users who rely on these apps daily for personal and professional communication, taking these precautions ensures peace of mind and keeps valuable information secure.