Digicel urges customers to protect WhatsApp accounts

Digicel has urged customers in the BVI to keep their WhatsApp verification codes private and enable two-step verification, warning of ongoing attempts by hackers to access individual accounts.

In a social media security advisory, the telecommunications company said the attacks targeted WhatsApp accounts and could not be prevented by customers’ mobile service providers.

The company outlined two precautions: refusing to share verification or access codes and switching on the application’s two-step verification feature.

“Never respond to messages or requests asking for a verification or access code that you did not personally request,” Digicel stated.

It warned that customers should withhold the code even when a request appeared to come from someone they knew.

“Remember: Your verification code is for YOUR use only. Never share it with anyone!” the company stated.

To enable two-step verification, Digicel instructed customers to open WhatsApp, go to Settings, select Account, then Two-step verification and Enable.

“These two simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of having your WhatsApp account compromised,” Digicel stated.

The company also asked customers to share the security message with friends and family.

The alert comes amid reports of WhatsApp account bans and access problems affecting people with both Digicel and Flow numbers in the territory.

Users described repeated verification requests, notifications about activating WhatsApp on another device, and difficulties recovering personal and business accounts. Some said they retained access after dismissing the requests, while others reported being locked out. The reports did not establish the cause of the incidents or whether they were connected.

Digicel’s post did not identify how many accounts had been targeted or address the individual bans and recovery difficulties described by users.