Cyberattacks via WhatsApp Business: How to prevent them

WhatsApp is undoubtedly one of the most widely used communication tools, not only for personal use but also for business purposes with WhatsApp Business.

As companies began sharing information and exchanging data through this tool, cybercriminals saw an open door for launching their cyberattacks, which has significantly increased.

Phishing attacks, identity theft, sending malicious links, banking fraud through payments, account theft, sending spam to customers, and social engineering attacks are some of the most commonly used methods by cybercriminals when launching their cyberattacks via WhatsApp Business.

Consequences of suffering a cyberattack via WhatsApp Business

For businesses, suffering an attack through their WhatsApp Business account can directly affect their operations, reputation, and relationship with customers.

The loss of trust and reputation can lead to customers stopping interactions with the business, as well as receiving negative reviews and a damaged brand image, losing the trust of potential future clients, and thus having a direct negative financial impact due to lost business opportunities.

On the other hand, data theft or breaches can lead the company to legal action for negligence in data protection and penalties under privacy laws, such as the GDPR in Europe.

Additionally, it may incur high costs for recovery and security improvements, requiring the hiring of external specialists in the field.

How to protect you WhatsApp Business account and you customers from cyberattacks?

Here are some tips for you:

Important: Enable two-step or multi-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-step or multi-factor authentication (2FA) consists of: logging into the site by entering the password you registered with, and then it will ask you for a code that you will have automatically received via email or on your mobile device (depending on how you have configured it).

This adds an extra layer of protection to your information, an additional step to ensure that it is you trying to access the account and not an unauthorized third party.

To do this, you should:

• Enter WhatsApp Business
• Go to 'Settings'
• Select 'Two-Step Verification'
• Enable the feature
• Choose a six-digit numerical code

Prevent automatic downloading of files and images

WhatsApp offers the option for all multimedia content we receive to be automatically stored on the computer or smartphone. When it comes to a business account where we share information with clients, it is important that there is no automatic download, to prevent information that shouldn't be saved from being stored on the device.

Be cautious with the Play Store if you work with Android

Some cybercriminals take advantage of this to upload replicas of apps (impersonating their identity), creating fake download apps that appear legitimate in order to collect confidential data or gain access to accounts.

Be cautious of external links you receive

Verify that all the links you receive come from legitimate sources. Check the URL and who sent it to you. If it contains strange characters, is missing letters, or has partially cut-off words, it's better not to click on it. It's also important that the URL has HTTPS.

Use security notifications

This feature is used to verify that encryption protection is activated.

If you log into a business WhatsApp account from a new device, the tool automatically sends a security code. This way, you ensure that the messages received and sent are encrypted. 

Apply message self-destruction

If you need to send sensitive content or information, WhatsApp offers the option to self-destruct the message after a set period of time. This way, the message can no longer be recovered.

Awareness and training of your team

The lack of training and knowledge in cybersecurity among a company's team can be the main cause of malware entering an IT infrastructure. Investing in cybersecurity training is essential so that everyone in the company understands the security protocols and how to detect cyberattacks in time.

Protecting your company's IT system is crucial, but so is securing other devices and accounts to prevent security breaches and any vulnerabilities or open doors that cybercriminals could exploit to access a business's system.