Bhubaneswar: Sambit Patra, the Bharatiya Janata Party's Member of Parliament for the Puri constituency, has raised an alarm about the hacking of his WhatsApp account. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Patra warned his followers and the general public to be cautious of any messages or requests for money that may come from his compromised account.

According to Patra, the hacking incident has led to the circulation of fraudulent messages, potentially misleading recipients. The MP emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of any communication before responding or acting on it. "I urge everyone to be vigilant and not to trust any messages coming from my WhatsApp number until further notice," he stated.

This incident has sparked concerns about digital security among public figures and their constituents, highlighting the need for heightened awareness regarding online safety. As social media and messaging platforms become increasingly prevalent in communication, such vulnerabilities can pose significant risks, not only to individual users but also to their networks.

Patra, who is also a prominent spokesperson for the BJP, expressed his disappointment over the breach of his privacy and the potential misuse of his identity. He has taken steps to report the incident to the relevant authorities and is working on regaining control of his account.

In light of this event, cybersecurity experts recommend that users enable two-factor authentication on their accounts to enhance security against unauthorized access. They also suggest being cautious about sharing personal information online and regularly updating passwords to mitigate risks associated with hacking.

This hacking incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in the digital age and the importance of safeguarding personal information. As investigations continue, Patra remains vigilant in urging the public to avoid falling victim to scams associated with the hacking of his account.