A large cyber-attack has hit Zimbabwe, locking thousands of citizens and business owners out of their WhatsApp accounts. The digital blackout has caused widespread panic and disrupted daily business across the country.
The attack has mostly targeted people using Econet Wireless numbers. Hackers are focusing heavily on WhatsApp Business accounts, which many shop owners and traders use for daily work. As a result, many small business owners have completely lost contact with their customers, halting daily sales and trade.
Cybersecurity experts say the attack is highly organized. Hackers are using automated computer systems to hit Zimbabwean phone numbers with hundreds of rapid, unauthorized login requests.
This aggressive activity triggers WhatsApp’s security system to automatically lock the real owners out of their profiles. Victims report being suddenly logged out and left unable to access their messages for days. This has created serious fears that sensitive customer data and financial information could be stolen.
Government Steps In
The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services has launched an urgent investigation. They are working together with the police cybercrime unit and local mobile network operators to patch the security flaw.
ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera released an official statement to reassure the public:
“The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, through our cybersecurity teams and in collaboration with local telecommunication operators and international partners, has launched an urgent probe into the widespread WhatsApp account hijackings reported across the nation.
“We are taking these digital security breaches very seriously as they threaten both personal privacy and business operations. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant, immediately activate two-step verification on their mobile applications, and refrain from sharing any security codes with unverified parties while we work to secure our digital spaces.”
Authorities are urging all mobile users in Zimbabwe to take immediate action to protect their accounts from being hijacked. First, users should turn on two-step verification inside WhatsApp settings and set a personal six-digit PIN. This stops hackers from entering the account even if they get hold of a login code.
Second, users must never share a six-digit WhatsApp verification code sent to their phone with anyone under any circumstances.
Finally, if you are suddenly logged out of your app, try to log back in immediately. Entering a fresh code on your device will automatically disconnect the hacker. The government and telecom companies are currently working with Meta to block the attackers and restore full service to all affected users.
