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Many businesses lean on WhatsApp for client chats, team coordination, and quick decisions. But that convenience is now being used against them. Researchers are seeing a noticeable jump in WhatsApp account hijackings, including cases involving users who normally spot scams quickly.
In these cases, attackers are not breaking passwords or tampering with encryption. They are taking advantage of a built-in WhatsApp feature that many users already trust. Once the link is made, attackers can see messages, files, and conversations without triggering obvious warnings.
How Hackers Are Hijacking Devices
WhatsApp account hijacking attacks center on the platform’s device-linking feature, also known as companion mode. This feature allows users to link their accounts to a browser or secondary device by scanning a QR code. In recent cases, attackers have convinced victims to scan a malicious QR code, often disguised as a support request, a verification step, or a business tool setup.
Hackers are using what researchers refer to as the GhostPairing WhatsApp exploit to silently link their device to the victim’s once the QR code is scanned. They then have full access without having to steal a password or break encryption, because WhatsApp considers the attacker’s browser a trusted device.
Why Businesses Are Prime Targets
Many entrepreneurs and their team members share sensitive information via WhatsApp. Once the device is linked to a hacker, the damage can escalate quickly. Attackers can read messages in real time, download shared files, and send messages that appear to come directly from the victim.
For business owners, this opens the door to invoice fraud, fake payment requests, customer manipulation, and internal phishing attacks. Even worse, these sessions can stay active for weeks if they go unnoticed.
Small and mid-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable. Employees often use WhatsApp for quick updates, client questions, and informal approvals. Attackers know this and exploit trust, urgency, and routine workflows to trigger unauthorized QR code pairing security incidents. And because the account is technically “logged in,” traditional security instincts fail. There are no suspicious login alerts or password reset notifications to raise alarms.
Spotting the Red Flags Before It's Too Late
To avoid becoming a victim of WhatsApp account hijacking, watch for these malicious device linking alerts:
- Unsolicited links with photo or video teases from contacts (even if the preview looks real).
- Any web page asking you to enter a WhatsApp code or scan a QR code for "verification."
- Sudden pairing prompts without you initiating a new device link.
If something feels off, pause and call or text the sender separately to confirm. Checking linked devices regularly inside WhatsApp settings is a simple but overlooked habit. Remove any unfamiliar browser or location immediately.
Limiting who uses WhatsApp for business communication and separating personal and work accounts also reduces exposure. These steps are critical for preventing WhatsApp companion mode hacks before they cause real financial or reputational damage.
Stay One Step Ahead of GhostPairing
WhatsApp account hijacking via tricks like the GhostPairing WhatsApp exploit is evolving, but awareness flips the script. By staying vigilant and taking steps toward WhatsApp account hijacking protection, you can safeguard your business communications without overcomplicating things.
