WhatsApp Messenger is among the most popular messaging apps boasting over 2 billion users in over 180 countries. Since the app has end-to-end encryption, it is a target of hackers.
In May 2019, WhatsApp was hit by a major security flaw that could potentially allow hackers to install spyware on victims’ phones. CNN reported that the vulnerability in the Facebook-owned Messenger targeted a London-based human rights lawyer.
While WhatsApp promised its users that the situation was contained, there are still possibilities that WhatsApp could be hacked in 2023. I have curated some of the ways to protect your Whatsapp against hacking, so read on.
Don’t click on any suspicious links
The internet is full of enticing links that can easily get you curious. Such links may be sent to your WhatsApp, or you could randomly bump into them as you browse the internet. Before clicking on the link, ask the contact that could have sent it or simply ignore it.
The great news, though not confirmed, is that WhatsApp is working on a mechanism to help you determine the authenticity of any link sent to you to improve your chatting safety.
Customize privacy settings
WhatsApp allows you to customize privacy to fit your chatting needs. For instance, you can choose who you can share your profile picture with, who can see your status, or even chat with you. If you only need contacts that are saved on your phone to chat with you, so be it.
Always remember to log out of your WhatsApp Web
It is a common tendency for most users to leave the office without logging off Whatsapp web. After all, it is your office laptop. You do not know that you could give malicious users easy access to your Whatsapp and other personal information.
Instead of such a habit causing problems for you, make sure that you log off your WhatsApp before leaving. Logging back on is easy; simply scan the code, and you are good to go.
Lock your WhatsApp
Android offers WhatsApp lock screen options that are worth implementing to ensure that no one else but you access your account. You can access the options via settings, and you must first register your fingerprints to enjoy an extra layer of chatting security.
In conclusion, WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption for every account. However, to be safe, you must verify that your chats are encrypted end-to-end. Open your chat, the contact in communication to access contact information, and tap encryption to view a 60-digit number or QR code.
