It's hard for other messaging services to compete with WhatsApp. In fact, the Facebook app is considered the standard and has more than 2 billion users. Unfortunately, the service has fallen victim to its success in recent years.
WhatsApp has become the preferred target for hackers. It exploits these application security holes to reach its users and hack their personal data. However, the courier service is doing its best in terms of security. For example, thanks to end-to-end encryption, messages, photos, videos, voice notes and documents exchanged in the app are automatically locked.
Despite this, hackers still find ways to bypass WhatsApp's measures. Fortunately, there are tips to protect your account.
If you are concerned about your data falling into the wrong hands, here are 6 things you can do to avoid being hacked.
Things to do to avoid WhatsApp hacking
1 / Activate two-step verification
Sure, hackers might have many resources at their disposal. However, this is without depending on WhatsApp vigilance. To protect its users, the service has implemented a two-step verification system that "helps improve the security of your account."
To avoid hacker attacks, it is recommended that you enable this option. When you are active, "any attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp must be accompanied by the 6-digit PIN that you generated using this feature."
To activate it, you will first need to go to the app's 'Settings'. Next, you will have to enter the "Account" section to select "Two-step verification."
2 / Use of biometric identification
WhatsApp does not skimp on the means to ensure the protection of its users. For quite some time now, the messaging service has been providing you with an option based on biometric identification to secure your account.
If you are using an iPhone running iOS 9 or later, you can turn on app lock with Touch ID or Face ID. As WhatsApp explains, once this option is activated, you will need to go through biometric identification to unlock the app.
This feature can be accessed in "Settings". You will need to go to "Account", then "Privacy" and "Lock Screen." Once you are in this window, you can choose to use Face ID or Touch ID.
3 / Don't save your discussions in the cloud
Having the option to save your conversations to the cloud can be a big help if you lose your phone. However, be aware that the messages inside it are not protected by end-to-end encryption.
This means that if the situation calls for it, law enforcement can require Google and Apple to access topics that have been saved in the cloud. To ensure your privacy is protected, it is therefore best to deactivate the automatic backup of your messages in the cloud.
It can be done very quickly. You will only have to enter the app's 'Settings', then in the 'Discussions' pane. By scrolling, you will find the option "Save chats." »You just have to deactivate the automatic backup.
4 / Disable read receipts
WhatsApp gives you the option to hide read receipts on the app. This way, no one will know that you have read the messages they sent you. According to the courier, this is a good way to protect your privacy.
However, it is important to note that this option does not apply to group messages.
"You can't turn off read receipts for group chats or voicemail messages. There's no way to turn them off."
To deactivate the read receipts, you will need to click on the “Settings” option, then go to the “Account” section and then enter “Privacy.” There you can choose to deactivate the read receipts.
5 / Install an antivirus on your smartphone
Since you can never be very careful, you can also choose to install an antivirus on your smartphone.
This issue has always been the subject of much debate. However, in these times and with the many threats facing us today, it is important to consider this option.
Currently there are many antivirus programs on the market that you can install on your smartphone for free. To help you choose, we suggest you discover this small group of portable antivirus software, which also has the advantage of being free: Kaspersky Free Antivirus, Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition, AVG Antivirus Free, or even Avira.
6 / Avoid downloading APK files without protection
It is important to note that installing APK files without protection can pose a threat to your privacy. Due to the success of WhatsApp, many unofficial versions of the app have appeared on the web.
These provide users with the opportunity to take advantage of features not available in the official version. In 2019 messaging service waged a crusade against these third-party apps.
"Unsupported applications, such as WhatsApp Plus and GB WhatsApp, are modified versions of WhatsApp. These unofficial applications were developed by third parties and violate our terms," said a statement.
WhatsApp insisted on the danger faced by users who choose to install these APK files on their smartphones:
"WhatsApp does not support these third-party applications because we cannot verify their security practices."
In fact, hackers can use these files to access users' private messages or to collect their personal data. So in order not to seduce the demon, it is better not to download these APK files on your smartphone.