How to Know If Your WhatsApp Is Being Monitored

WhatsApp is one of the most downloaded messaging apps in the world. As the number of WhatsApp users continues to grow, data security becomes a major concern for many. Although WhatsApp has integrated several security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, one might wonder if it's possible to be monitored on WhatsApp.

The answer, unfortunately, is yes. There are vulnerabilities that malicious people can exploit to monitor your conversations. In this article, we will show you how to know if you're being monitored on WhatsApp. And we will discuss different ways to protect yourself from being tracked.

What are the possible methods to monitor someone on WhatsApp?

Method 1: Monitoring apps

Many monitoring apps exist that allow spying on another person's phone, including their social networks like WhatsApp. Spies need access to the target phone to install the app.

Method 2: Malware and viruses

Hackers can use malware or viruses to infiltrate a smartphone and access WhatsApp. By clicking on a link or downloading an infected file, the user unknowingly allows the installation of malware that can compromise their device. This malware can not only track WhatsApp conversations but also steal other personal data stored on the device.

Method 3: WhatsApp Web

WhatsApp Web allows users to access their accounts via a web browser, but this feature can also be exploited to spy on someone. If a malicious person gains temporary access to your phone, they can quickly scan the QR code to open your WhatsApp on their own device. Once connected, they can see all your conversations until you notice and disconnect them.

Method 4: Data backup recovery

WhatsApp conversation backups stored on cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud can be a target for those seeking to access your messages. By obtaining the credentials of these cloud accounts, a spy can restore the backups on another device and access the full history of your discussions.

Method 5: SIM card swapping

This technique, known as SIM swapping, involves tricking a phone operator into transferring a victim's phone number to a new SIM card. Once successful, the spy can receive verification SMS and calls needed to access and authenticate WhatsApp on a new device.

Method 6: MAC address spoofing

This technique involves copying the victim's phone MAC address onto another device. The attacker changes their own device's MAC address to match the targeted phone's. Then, they install WhatsApp, receive the verification code sent by SMS or call, and access the victim's WhatsApp conversations and data. This method requires initial access to the victim's phone network information to obtain their MAC address.

Part 2: How to know if your WhatsApp is being monitored

Now that we know the techniques malicious people can use to spy on us on WhatsApp, we may ask: how do i know if my WhatsApp is being monitored? It may seem difficult, but there are several ways to find out. Here are some methods explained to discover if you are being monitored on WhatsApp:

Check which devices are connected to WhatsApp Web or other devices

To check if someone is accessing your WhatsApp account via another device, follow these steps:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Linked Devices.

  

• Android: Tap the three-dot icon > Linked devices.

  

If no device is displayed under Link a device, no one has access to your WhatsApp account on another device. However, if one or more devices are displayed as below and they're not your device, you are being tracked on WhatsApp.

Identify signs of surveillance by a monitoring app

Monitoring apps can leave noticeable traces on your device, such as:

• Increased phone temperature: If your phone becomes hot for no apparent reason, it may indicate that a background app is excessively using processor resources.
• High data usage: If your phone uses a lot of data, more than usual, it may be a sign that a spy app is using your data.
• Phone slowdown: If your phone suddenly becomes slow, it could be due to malware or spy apps running in the background.

Check your WhatsApp account settings and contacts

Regularly check your WhatsApp account settings and contacts on your phone to detect any unusual changes:

Be alert to unusual behaviors

Monitoring apps can leave noticeable traces on your device, such as:

• Spam sent from your account: If your friends inform you that they are receiving unusual messages or spam from you, someone else has access to your account.
• Receiving messages from unknown people: Be cautious if you start receiving messages or calls from unknown numbers for no apparent reason.

Check your installed apps

Surveillance apps are usually hidden from your home screen, go to settings to check all your apps:

Part 3: What to do if you think you're being monitored on WhatsApp?

Now that you know how to know if you're being spied on WhatsApp, if you have doubts and think it's the case, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself.

Disconnect from untrusted devices

To check if someone is accessing your WhatsApp account via WhatsApp Web, follow these steps:

Update your personal information

• Update your password and choose a very secure one.
• Change the email address associated with your WhatsApp account.
• If possible, also change the phone number associated with your account to prevent any further access.

Disable your location

Android: Go to your phone Settiongs > Pricacy > Location Service > Location > find WhatsApp and tap > set the Location access to Deny.

iPhone: Go to iPhone Settiongs > Pricacy & Security > Location Service > find WhatsApp and tap > set the Location access to Never.

Enable two-step verification

Use an antivirus app

Install a trusted antivirus app on your device to scan and detect any malicious activity, including spyware.

Use a VPN

A VPN helps secure your internet connection and protect your data by masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic.

Delete all suspicious files and apps

Sort through your phone to ensure you have no suspicious apps or files. You can also use your phone's "Deep Clean" feature.

Enable security notifications

Enable security notifications in WhatsApp to be alerted whenever a new device connects to your WhatsApp account. You can find this option in "Settings" > "Account" > "Security".

How to avoid being spied on WhatsApp?

Some everyday measures can minimize the risk of being spied on WhatsApp, here are the main ones:

Don't leave your phone unattended

It's important to always keep your phone with you or in a secure place. An unattended phone can be quickly compromised, allowing malicious individuals to install surveillance apps.

Always lock your phone

Secure your mobile device with a strong password, PIN, lock pattern, or use biometric methods like fingerprint or facial recognition. This adds a layer of security if you misplace your phone or lose sight of it.

Be cautious with links and attachments

Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or untrusted sources in emails, SMS, or on websites. These elements may contain malware designed to infiltrate your device and steal your information.

Stay informed about the latest spying methods

Staying informed about the latest spying methods will help you better recognize manipulation attempts and better protect your personal information.

FAQs about Monitoring Someone In WhatsApp

1How to know if someone is using WhatsApp Web to spy on my conversations?

To check if someone has access to your WhatsApp account via WhatsApp Web, open WhatsApp on your phone, go to the menu (the three vertical dots), then select "Linked devices". You will see a list of all active sessions. If you notice a session you don't recognize, you can disconnect it immediately.

2What are the signs that my phone is infected with spyware?

Signs of spyware infection may include a sudden increase in data usage, decreased phone performance, overheating for no apparent reason, or unusual activity like apps closing or opening on their own.

3What to do if I discover spyware on my phone?

If you suspect spyware on your phone, the first step is to uninstall it. Then, change all your important passwords, install a reliable antivirus software, and restore your phone to factory settings if necessary to remove any trace of the spy.

4How to protect my WhatsApp account from spying?

Enable two-step verification in your WhatsApp account settings to add an extra layer of security. Also, be careful with whom you share your phone and monitor app permissions to ensure no malicious app has access to your messages.

5Is it safe to back up my WhatsApp conversations to the cloud?

Backing up your WhatsApp conversations can be safe as long as you use reliable cloud services and maintain good security practices, like strong passwords and two-factor authentication for your cloud account. However, be aware that any backup stored online could potentially become a target for hackers.

6 How important is two-step verification for WhatsApp security and how to enable it?

Two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account by requiring a PIN code you set when registering your account on a new device. To enable this feature, open WhatsApp, go to "Settings", then "Account", and select "Two-step verification". Follow the instructions to set up your PIN code.