Use WhatsApp safely: You should make these settings

Your data is not well-protected on WhatsApp. But frequently, leaving WhatsApp behind is also not an option. We demonstrate how WhatsApp can be kept as private as possible and how much data protection can be customized within the app.

A phenomenon is WhatsApp. The majority of individuals ought to be aware that the app is not their top option for data protection.

Many users subsequently turned to alternatives like Signal or Threema due to discussions about new terms and conditions and how much data is sent to Facebook's parent business.

But be careful: Just because Signal & Co. surpassed previous user records doesn't always indicate that those people are quitting WhatsApp. The issue is that during the past few years, WhatsApp has become the replacement for SMS. It is used by many families, businesses, sports teams, schools, and other institutions. Because they are still trapped in one or more groups, many users are likely to be unable to entirely uninstall WhatsApp.

We demonstrate how to use WhatsApp hack more safely and efficiently while using the least amount of data feasible.

WhatsApp's security tips

End-to-end encryption is unraveled if there are worries about security or data protection using WhatsApp. In a blog post announcing the upcoming data protection measures, WhatsApp did this once more. It must be acknowledged that WhatsApp's encryption feature is quite beneficial; it is always enabled for all discussions, including group chats, so users don't need to worry about anything. However, encryption does not provide complete protection; thus, the following security advice is advised:

Updates:

There is no doubt that applications have security flaws that update can address. You should thus always utilize the most recent WhatsApp versions. The operating system is responsible for handling app updates; both Android and iOS provide handy automatic upgrades. If the web app says that an update has been loaded for WhatsApp Web, a standard reload of the browser tab is sufficient.

Security notifications

There is a “Security” subsection in the “Account” section of the WhatsApp settings, but there is only one set there. You will receive notifications when contacts reinstall WhatsApp or change their phone number if you turn on “Show security notifications.” Using the message to inform individuals that the encryption has changed is the exercise's goal. Unauthorized users may have seized control of the contact's WhatsApp account. Other methods, such as email or phone, can be used to inquire about the contact's new phone.

Verification via QR code

You may use a QR code to check a WhatsApp message in case you run into a WhatsApp contact, which can happen. Tap on the contact's name in the conversation to use this. Thereafter, click “Encryption” in the contact list and scan the QR code with the other phone.

Account Security

You may enable “Two-Step Verification” in the WhatsApp settings under the “Account” section. A six-digit PIN is used to safeguard the WhatsApp account in this way.

WhatsApp's privacy tips

In WhatsApp, changing data protection partially solves some issues, but some are homegrown and difficult or impossible to avoid. For instance, WhatsApp can take contact information that has been stored and upload it to its servers. With this, you can simply contact your contacts on WhatsApp, but you pump all of your data into the cloud in an unencrypted manner, which is terrible for data security. The following places are where adjustments can be made:

Shared information

It is preferable to select “Privacy” under “Account” in the WhatsApp settings. You may choose who has access to what information about you there, such as your most recent internet activity. The most limited choice here is “Nobody,” and using groups, you may initially solely focus on “Contacts”; avoid using the “Everyone” preset. Using the “Exclude my contacts” feature, you may also exclude all contacts. Select “Share only with” under “Status” before entering no contacts at all. There, you can also verify and deactivate shared live locations.

Read receipts

For some users, read receipts are helpful, but for others, they expose too much. Under “Privacy,” there is a different setting. You can no longer see other people's read receipts since the function is then cut off in both directions.

Screen lock

Setting a WhatsApp screen lock makes sense, too. When you exit the program, it should turn on as “soon” as possible. Then, WhatsApp must be unlocked once more.

Chats without contacts

WhatsApp limits talks to contacts who have been saved. However, you may enter the phone number and country code directly on the URL https://wa.me/ on your mobile device if you don't wish to use Hinz und Kunz. The chat window will then open on a new page. Following that, WhatsApp will open.

Self-Deleting Messages

Self-deleting emails are a pretty recent function. For each chat, they must be turned on separately. This is done by using the chat partner's contact information. The "Self-deleting messages” function can then be enabled. After 7 days, messages are then automatically deleted from the conversations. Please be aware, however, that in the interim, screenshots of these messages can be used to back up or archive them.

Be careful with backups

Backups of chats can be kept in the clouds of Apple or Google using WhatsApp. This is useful when switching to a new cell phone, for instance. However, there is a catch: WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption is no longer functional. Data is first sent to the cloud in an unencrypted state and is only encrypted on the servers of the providers.

What does not work in WhatsApp

Let's face it, regardless of what settings you use, WhatsApp cannot be made to resemble Signal or Threema, no matter how much you try. Simple: Data analysis is the foundation of the company's business plan. Still, you should look through the security and data protection settings; doing so will be beneficial. The whole thing is constrained to information that other users may see from you, especially when it comes to data protection. What Facebook and WhatsApp do in the background can't truly be restricted.

Therefore, it makes sense to combine other business models like Threema or Signal with them. You are welcome to share the advantages with your friends, family, and other acquaintances. One feature of a secure messenger is family chat, for instance. It will be better if you can persuade more people to utilize WhatsApp alternatives. However, you should pay attention to the settings displayed above for a little more security as long as WhatsApp's popularity persists.

It often doesn't work without WhatsApp

Many people can function without WhatsApp. But assuming that more than 2 billion consumers would just adapt to it soon is utopian. I am unable to delete WhatsApp since I am a part of too many groups that I rely on. Of course, I could leave, but it would have nasty repercussions, so I decided to stick it out. I've used WhatsApp substitutes for a while now. Unfortunately, my contacts are well dispersed over Signal, Threema, Telegram, and Wire.