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By Ross Moyo
Econet’s 15/10/2026 advisory is clear: enable passkeys and two-step authentication, never share PINs or OTPs, and verify money requests.
This aligns with Meta’s latest global security upgrade, verified by international tech media:
1. Enable Passkeys: More than one billion users have enabled passkeys. Passkeys use Face ID, fingerprint or screen lock instead of SMS codes, tied to device. You can now add multiple passkeys per account for Android and iOS. Set via Settings > Account > Passkeys.
2. Upgrade Two-Step Verification: WhatsApp upgraded from 6-digit PIN to full password with letters, numbers and special characters. Quote: “If you’ve been using ‘123456,’ this is your sign to upgrade”. A strong password blocks takeover even if SMS code is stolen.
3. Check Linked Devices: Regularly review Settings > Linked devices and log out unfamiliar sessions. Don’t scan QR codes from unknown websites. Econet adds: check call forwarding, don’t dial unverified codes starting with _ or **, and don’t scan unknown QR codes.
4. Verify Money Requests: RCIPS advice: If you get a money request from a known number, call them directly to confirm. Econet: independently verify any request for money, even when it appears to come from someone you know.
For help: Dial Econet 658, visit Econet Shops, or use official WhatsApp recovery channels. If hack persists, report to ZRP Cyber Crime and notify banks.
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