Zimbabweans weigh foreign numbers amid WhatsApp security fears

Zimbabweans concerned about reports of WhatsApp account takeovers may be considering alternatives, including using South African mobile numbers, as questions grow over the security of digital identities.

The concerns come amid reports of individuals and businesses losing access to WhatsApp accounts, raising fears of impersonation, fraud and disruption to customer communications.

According to the state broadcaster ZBC News, the government was investigating alleged WhatsApp Business account takeovers and possible security breaches involving Meta platforms.

Information Communication Technology Minister Tatenda Mavetera said authorities were working with the affected mobile network operator and other parties to establish how the incidents occurred and whether financial information had been compromised.

“The scale of the reported attack is unprecedented and requires a coordinated response to protect our citizens and business,” she said.

She said authorities sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported breaches.

Businesses and individuals face WhatsApp disruption

For entrepreneurs who rely on WhatsApp to receive orders, communicate with customers and coordinate payments, losing access to an account can have consequences beyond disrupted messaging.

Criminals who gain control of an account may impersonate its owner and solicit money from unsuspecting contacts.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has previously documented cases involving fraudulent SIM replacements and WhatsApp account takeovers.

Could foreign numbers offer an alternative for WhatsApp users?

Against this background, switching to a South African number could appear to some users to be an alternative.

“I am scared that my number might be hijacked as well, and this could affect my business badly,” said Zimbabwean businessman Themba Ndlovu in an interview with The South African.

“I would rather switch back to my South African mobile number,” he said.

Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says the reported security concerns are undermining trust in local mobile networks, claiming that many Zimbabweans he knows are now using foreign numbers for their WhatsApp accounts.

He argues that mobile operators have a fundamental responsibility to protect subscribers’ numbers, describing the shift towards foreign networks as evidence of declining confidence in local services.

Security measures remain important

WhatsApp recommends additional safeguards, including two-step verification and passkeys where available.

Its guidance also explains that users who lose access should re-register their number using the six-digit verification code received by SMS or telephone call.

For businesses, moving to a foreign number could create additional challenges, including updating customer contacts and maintaining reliable access to the SIM used to register the account.