They take over WhatsApp accounts and ask for money from relatives: Official warning has arrived

The Presidency's Cyber ​​Security Directorate announced that complaints about accounts in WhatsApp and similar messaging applications being compromised and used in fraudulent activities have increased recently.

In the statement made by the Presidency, it was stated that fraudsters accessed users' accounts without their knowledge and demanded money from their close circle.

In the technical investigations of the Cyber ​​Security Directorate, it was determined that malicious software targeting security vulnerabilities in iPhone devices with outdated iOS operating system could be used in such attacks.

EVEN VIEWING HARMFUL CONTENT CAN CREATE A RISK

In the statement, it was reported that the malware in question can infect devices through malicious internet advertisements, suspicious links and compromised websites.

It was emphasized that in some advanced attacks, even just viewing harmful content can put device security at risk.

It was noted that attackers could access personal information and messaging accounts through these methods, impersonate users and request money transfers via IBAN from people on their contact lists due to urgent need.

FOUR CRITICAL WARNINGS TO WHATSAPP USERS

The Presidency listed the measures that should be taken to protect citizens from fraud attempts.

Accordingly, all citizens, especially iPhone users, were asked to keep their operating systems and messaging applications updated.

In the statement, it was stated that links of unknown origin should not be clicked and files should not be downloaded from unreliable websites, and it was recommended to enable two-step verification in WhatsApp and other digital accounts.

It was also reported that WhatsApp's "Connected Devices" section should be checked regularly and unrecognized sessions should be terminated. However, a warning was made that unauthorized access may not appear in this section in some advanced attacks.

The Presidency emphasized that money requests from known people should not be accepted directly and suggested that such messages be verified by calling the relevant person by phone.

WHAT SHOULD USERS DO WHOSE ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN HIT?

Citizens who suspect that their accounts have been compromised are asked to inform their close circle through different communication channels and to apply to law enforcement forces or Chief Public Prosecutor's Office by keeping digital evidence such as suspicious messages and IBAN information.

It was stated that if a money transfer was made, the relevant bank should be contacted without delay.

In order to restore device security, it is recommended to reset the phone and install the current operating system, and to change the passwords of banking, social media and e-mail accounts through a secure device.

The Presidency emphasized that "messages from real messaging accounts belonging to people they know may have been sent without the knowledge of the account owner" and called on citizens to be careful.