The recent surge in WhatsApp account blocks has affected users worldwide, including in Indonesia. Many individuals and businesses have reported that their accounts suddenly became unusable, displaying messages like "Account Under Review" or "This account cannot use WhatsApp." If you find yourself in this situation, there are several steps you can take to address the issue.
Understanding the Block
According to cybersecurity expert Alfons Tanujaya from Vaksincom, this wave of account blocks is not the result of a mass hacking attack or government intervention. He suggests that the problem may stem from Meta's automated anti-spam system mistakenly identifying legitimate accounts as problematic or from compromised accounts being used to distribute spam. Users should prepare for both scenarios.
Initial Steps to Take
If your WhatsApp account is blocked and marked as "Under Review," the first action you should take is to click the "Request Review" button directly from the notification within the app. Following this, you will need to wait for the review process, which typically lasts between 12 to 24 hours.
What to Avoid During the Review
While waiting for your account to be reviewed, there are several critical actions to avoid. Do not delete the WhatsApp application from your phone, and refrain from re-registering your phone number. Additionally, it is wise to prepare an alternative communication method, whether through other messaging apps or SMS.
Beware of Unofficial Help
Alfons warns users against trusting services that offer to unblock WhatsApp accounts. Often, these services appear on social media after reports of blocked accounts. They may request payment, ask for your OTP code, or even attempt to hijack your account. The reality is that no third party can unblock WhatsApp accounts; only Meta has the authority to do so.
Enhancing Account Security
To prevent unwanted issues with your WhatsApp account, it is advisable to implement three key security measures:
- Enable Two-Step Verification: By turning on two-step verification, users will be required to enter a PIN, adding an extra layer of security to their accounts.
- Set Up Automatic Backups: Users should enable automatic backups by navigating to Settings, then Chats, and selecting Chat Backup. Opt for daily or weekly backups to ensure the safety of your chat data.
- Review Linked Devices: Regularly check the list of linked devices and remove any that are unfamiliar. This helps to ensure that no unauthorized users are accessing your account.
Stay Vigilant with OTPs
Lastly, never share your OTP code with anyone, including those who claim to be WhatsApp representatives. The OTP is your account's access key, and sharing it grants others full access to your account.
For further guidance on handling blocked accounts, users can explore additional effective solutions for dealing with spam-related issues. This recent wave of blocks serves as a reminder for all WhatsApp users to remain vigilant and secure their accounts. By following the recommendations from cybersecurity professionals, you can significantly reduce the risk of losing access to your account or important data. Also, keep an eye on WhatsApp's latest features to enhance your account security.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/langkah-tepat-saat-akun-whatsapp-diblokir-sedang-ditinjau
