WhatsApp is among the most used messaging apps worldwide. However, we see many people getting scammed and also having their accounts cloned. But do you know how to keep your WhatsApp security?
Here we will give you some tips on how to use WhatsApp in a safer way.
How to avoid falling for WhatsApp scams
By default, WhatsApp allows all users to see our profile picture, when we view messages and the last time we were online. However, not everyone is comfortable allowing people to know when the last access was, or when the message was read.
In addition, criminals have been using profile pictures to impersonate other people, applying financial scams and causing a lot of damage. Using photos and contact lists of known people, criminals create accounts to send messages asking for money.
For this reason, it is important to disable some functions within the application. This ensures that only your contacts can see your profile picture and brings you more privacy.
Set your WhatsApp Privacy
To do this on Android devices, simply open the app, click the three dots that are in the top right corner of the screen and tap Settings. Next, select the Account option and then Privacy.
On mobile phones that use iOS operating systems, you will just need to open WhatsApp. Then click on Settings and follow the same steps.
In the privacy tab you can set who will see your profile picture, your status updates, read confirmations and who can add you to groups.
Another important factor that can be enabled in this tab is the fingerprint lock. When enabled, you can only open the app using your fingerprint, this ensures your information is safe in case of loss or theft.
Do Not Share Information and Data
Whenever you install WhatsApp on a device, it takes a verification code that is sent via SMS. This code is a security tool used to ensure that the same account is not used on two phones.
However, criminals often use strategies to crack this code and steal the user's account. Thus, they pretend to be the owners of the accounts to ask for money or apply other types of scams.
The strategies to find out the validation code vary between calls and messages. Many times these people pretend to be bank managers or phone company attendants. At a certain moment of the conversation, the criminal asks the victim to inform the code that was sent by message. By informing the combination, the victim allows full access to his or her account.
Therefore, it is very important that you never share any kind of information by phone or message. If you have not requested the verification code, ignore the message and do not tell anyone the combination.
Why you should set up your WhatsApp security
As we have seen, WhatsApp scams have become commonplace and criminals can have many strategies. Among them, they can clone your account using other devices. Thus, it is important that security settings are enabled to ensure that your information is safe.
Enable two-step verification
First of all, it is very important to enable two-step verification. Once you enable this feature, you will be required to enter a password every time you try to register your number on a new device. This prevents your account from being cloned and used on other devices without you knowing.
To enable two-step verification you need to follow the steps described under the Account tab. There you will find the Two-Step Verification option. Just follow the steps in the application to enable the setting.
Encryption
Since messages exchanged on WhatsApp are encrypted, only people with access to the key can decrypt this information. For this reason, it is important that notifications about changing encryption codes are enabled. This key can be changed when a friend of yours changes cell phones, for example.
Within the app, on the Account page, you can click Security and then enable the key to receive a notification when your security code with a contact changes.
Enabling these settings can ensure that our information is secure, as well as making life more difficult for criminals.
Beware of strange messages
We've already said that there are many techniques for stealing information within messaging apps. Cybercriminals also use promotions, links, and forms to collect data from users.
That's why it's very important to be careful. Be wary of messages that offer free services and unmissable offers. Avoid clicking on dubious links and never fill out unknown forms.
Besides being a door to cyber attacks, these registrations can expose sensitive personal data such as documents and addresses.
Disconnect active sessions
Many people use WhatsApp on the computer. However, this practice requires a bit of attention. Remember to sign out whenever you access your account on an unknown device.
Also, check your active session history to ensure that your account is only being accessed by yourself. To do this, simply click on Connected Devices. This will prevent your account from being open on unknown devices.
Did you like our tips to ensure more privacy and security on WhatsApp? If you want to know a bit more about how to secure your LinkedIn account, read this article we prepared:
