GhostPairing: WhatsApp users beware! Your account could be hacked by GhostPairing; here's how to protect yourself..

There's a cautionary message for WhatsApp users. A new account hacking technique has been discovered in the messaging app that can exploit the app's legitimate device-linking feature. This allows accounts to be hacked instantly. A cybersecurity firm has provided information about this. It has been named GhostPairing. This is a threat through which hackers can gain complete access to the target user's device without stealing any passwords, SIM cards, or authentication codes. Let's learn more about this new threat in detail.

A new threat has been discovered for WhatsApp users. Cybersecurity firm Gen Digital has uncovered this threat. According to the firm, by exploiting the app's legitimate device-linking feature, hackers can now gain complete access to the target device. Hackers don't need to tamper with the device's software; instead, they use social engineering tricks that trick the user into giving hackers access to the device.

This new method of WhatsApp hacking is described as so dangerous that it's difficult to detect. The most alarming aspect is that it spreads very quickly, and even your trusted contacts can be involved. This means your close contacts can be used as a medium for this hack. The firm explained with an example that the process begins with a short message that says something like, "Hey, I found a photo of you!" It includes a link that appears in a Facebook-style preview. The user can easily click on this link.

Clicking on the link takes the user to a fake webpage that resembles a Facebook photo viewer. This page forces the user to go through verification before viewing the photo. However, Facebook is not involved in the verification process at all. Instead, this page silently initiates WhatsApp's official device pairing process. The victim is asked to enter their phone number. After that, the user is given a code that they have to enter into WhatsApp. The user thinks this is a routine security check. By entering this code, the user unknowingly gives the hacker access to their app through the hacker's browser. This gives the hacker complete access to WhatsApp Web, allowing them to steal all the information. However, the user remains completely unaware that their WhatsApp has been hacked.

What users should do for security?
The report also suggests ways to protect against this type of hacking attack. Users are advised to go to WhatsApp settings and check the Linked Devices section. They should ensure there are no unwanted sessions listed there. If there are, they should remove the session. Users should also avoid approving any such links without thinking.

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