Armenia's Cyber Police warns of mass hijacking of WhatsApp accounts
20.01.2026,
13:43
In recent days, cases of mass hijacking of WhatsApp accounts have been reported in Armenia again.
YEREVAN, January 20. /ARKA/. In recent days, cases of mass hijacking of WhatsApp accounts have been reported in Armenia again. Moreover, according to the Cyber Police, the attackers do not require the user to click a link or provide a code from an SMS.
"According to one theory, from a technical standpoint, criminals may be targeting the SS7 protocol of mobile networks—the system for exchanging service messages between telecom operators—and intercepting SMS messages sent by international mobile operators," the Cyber Police stated.
To protect accounts, the Cyber Police recommends enabling two-step security verification. This ensures that even in the event of unauthorized access, attackers will not be able to use the account without the user's PIN.
You can enable two-step verification in the "Settings" section by selecting "Account," then set a six-digit PIN code that you must remember. It is also recommended to provide an email address—this will allow you to restore access to your account if you lose your PIN code.
The agency also emphasized that the SS7 protocol is not specific to Armenia, and the issue identified is not related to local mobile operators.
"According to one theory, from a technical standpoint, criminals may be targeting the SS7 protocol of mobile networks—the system for exchanging service messages between telecom operators—and intercepting SMS messages sent by international mobile operators," the Cyber Police stated.
To protect accounts, the Cyber Police recommends enabling two-step security verification. This ensures that even in the event of unauthorized access, attackers will not be able to use the account without the user's PIN.
You can enable two-step verification in the "Settings" section by selecting "Account," then set a six-digit PIN code that you must remember. It is also recommended to provide an email address—this will allow you to restore access to your account if you lose your PIN code.
The agency also emphasized that the SS7 protocol is not specific to Armenia, and the issue identified is not related to local mobile operators.