Albania’s National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK) has issued a warning to WhatsApp users following reports of account compromises in the region, urging citizens to take extra precautions to protect their accounts.

Authorities are advising users to be particularly cautious about verification codes, suspicious links and unexpected requests that could be attempts to take control of their WhatsApp accounts.

“In some of the reported cases, users have lost access to their accounts, while the relevant authorities are analyzing how the compromises occurred,” AKSK said.

The authority recommends that WhatsApp users take the following steps to protect their accounts:

Enable two-step verification: Go to Settings ? Account ? Two-step verification.

Never share verification codes: Do not give anyone your verification codes, passwords or account information.

Check linked devices: Regularly review the Linked Devices section and immediately remove any device you do not recognize.

Avoid suspicious links: Do not click on links received via SMS, WhatsApp or email, particularly when they ask you to verify your account.

Be alert to unexpected registration requests: If you receive a WhatsApp verification code or notification that your account is being registered on another device without your request, do not share the code or authorize the request.

Secure your email account: Make sure the email address linked to your WhatsApp account is protected with a unique password and multi-factor authentication.

Use official recovery channels: If you lose access to your account, use only WhatsApp’s official procedures and channels to recover it.

“A verification code is personal. Even when a request appears to come from someone you know, verify it before taking any action,” AKSK said.