HOW TO STOP A TAKEOVER OF YOUR WHATSAPP ACCOUNT ON ANDROID

There are several ways bad actors can take control of your WhatsApp account. This paper is not to show you how the takeover is done, but rather, how to protect your WhatsApp account.

Step 1
Add a SIM lock / account PIN – This is to secure your SIM from being swapped out. Also, ensure no SIM replacement is allowed without in-person ID.

Cell provider (Flow/Digicel) will give you the default PIN. You will need to contact them to get the default number for your PIN (step 1 can be done after step 2). 

To Activate the  SIM lock on a cell phone:
Go settings    Connections    SIM manager    More SIM settings    SIM card security    Select SIM   Turn on Lock switch – you should have your default PIN at this stage   when complete, change to your personal PIN and secure it in a safe place.  

Step 2
Turn on two-factor authentication on WhatsApp.

In Whatsapp settings   Account    Two-Step Verification    follow the steps to add a PIN and email address. 

NEW PROTOCOL 
If you get a call from an unknown number on WhatsApp, DO NOT ANSWER/DO NOT TAKE THE CALL. Instead, WRITE (ask) in WhatsaApp the unknown for their name and what they want. Verify the unknown first before engaging.