Digital security

WhatsApp, a new wave of 'zero-click' attacks: how to protect yourself from account scams

The Italian State Police is raising the alarm about a new series of WhatsApp account compromises. The main targets are Apple devices running outdated versions of iOS and the messaging app.
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A new wave of cyberattacks is targeting WhatsApp accounts, using so-called "zero-click" attacks: techniques that, in the most serious cases, allow criminals to exploit a vulnerability without the user opening a link, downloading a file, or taking any other action.

The alert comes from the State Police, which draws particular attention to Apple devices with outdated versions of the iOS operating system or the WhatsApp application itself.

The risk: accounts hacked without a click

The reported vulnerabilities could allow third parties to gain access to the victim's WhatsApp account. From that point on, the threat extends not only to the confidentiality of conversations but also to contacts in the address book.

Criminals can send messages impersonating the account holder and contact family, friends, or colleagues. The scheme is the now well-known false emergency: an urgent request for money, formulated in a frantic tone and under the pretext of a sudden problem, an accident, a blocked card, or a personal difficulty.

The apparent reliability of the message, sent from a known number, can induce scam victims to make bank transfers, top-ups, or other payments without verifying the recipient's true identity.

The precautions indicated by the Police

The Italian State Police urges users to adopt certain preventative measures to reduce the risk of compromising their accounts and digital devices.

First, don't make immediate payments after receiving requests for money via WhatsApp, even if the message appears to come from a trusted person. You should contact the person directly using another phone number, another device, or, if possible, in person.

It's also essential to keep both your smartphone's operating system and the WhatsApp app up to date. Security updates are designed to fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

Among the recommended checks is periodically checking the "Connected Devices" section of WhatsApp: through this function you can identify the active sessions associated with your account and immediately disconnect any unknown or suspicious devices.

Users should also:

  • enable two-step verification on WhatsApp;
    limit the automatic download of files, photos, videos and attachments;
    protect your smartphone with an unlock code, Touch ID or Face ID;
    Please carefully check any urgent requests for money received in chat.

What to do if your account has been hacked

If your account is suspected to have been compromised, it's important to take action quickly. The first step is to notify friends, family, and contacts, urging them to ignore any suspicious messages and, above all, not to make payments or send verification codes.

You must then initiate the WhatsApp account recovery process, verify connected devices, and delete unauthorized sessions. Prompt action can limit the spread of the scam and prevent other contacts from receiving messages sent by criminals.

Apple: Updates already available

Apple has fixed the vulnerabilities through specific security updates. Therefore, it is recommended to install the latest versions of iOS and the applications used on your device as soon as possible.

It is also recommended to enable two-factor authentication for your Apple Account, which provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access and credential theft attempts.
For questions, requests for assistance, or reports of potential online scams, you can contact the Postal Police through the Public Security Commissioner's Online portal.

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