Enable your messages and calls end-to-end encrypted so that third parties cannot read or listen your personal chat or messages.
Whatsapp - rapidly growing and the most popular chat messenger that helps people to communicate with each other, transfer data, photos, videos, share information, spread news, etc.
But many of us are unaware of the security risk in WhatsApp. It has an automatic encryption which secures the user to an extent. However, manual changes in the privacy settings should be done by the user to get notified if at all the user is at risk.
Please note the point; you will only be notified, prevention is possible upto a limit only.
The simple steps to change the settings are:
TIP 1: Check Encryption
Enable your messages and calls end-to-end encrypted so that third parties cannot read or listen your personal chat or messages.
Step 1: Go to settings.
Step 2: Click on Account> Security
Step 3: Turn on show security notifications.
- Thus, turning this on will notify you when there is any risk when you chat with your friends. Share this information to all so that all get benefited and stay free from hackers.
Tip 2: Option of Privacy
Whatsapp gives you complete control over your PRIVACY, where you can choose who can see your “Last seen,” “Profile photo” and status.
Step 1: To do so go to Settings> Account> Privacy
Step 2:
For privacy over last seen - Tap Last seen> choose (Everyone, My contacts, Nobody)
For privacy over Profile photo - Tap Profile photo > choose (Everyone, My contacts, Nobody)
For privacy over status - Tap status > choose (Everyone, My contacts, Nobody)
Tip 3: Set up Two-Step Verification
When you enable Two-Step verification (2FA), it adds on as a second layer of protection to your account.After you enable 2FA, you’ll have to type a six-digit PIN to log in to your WhatsApp account. Even if your phone is stolen or someone uses a phishing method to steal your SIM card, they won’t be able to access your WhatsApp account.
Step 1: Go to Settings> Account
Step 2 : Tap Two-step verification
Step 3: Tap on enable>Enter 6 digit PIN> confirm
Step 4: Enter email> confirm
Tip 4: Enable Fingerprint or Face ID Lock
As an additional feature, you can protect your WhatsApp with a Fingerprint or Face ID lock.
Step 1: Go to Settings> Account > Privacy
Step 2: Scroll to the bottom of the list and tap “Fingerprint Lock”
Step 3: Enable Touch ID or Face ID.
You can toggle the fingerprint sensor on your device to confirm your fingerprint. You can also select the amount of time before authentication is needed after each visit.
TIP 5: Disable Auto Group Addition
In WhatsApp anyone having your number can add you to any group. You can stop this at the source, where WhatsApp gives you full permission on ‘who can add you to groups’.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Account> Privacy
Step 2: Tap on Groups>choose on to the options
Tip 6: Can block and report
Can block and report accounts that are spamming you.
Step1: Open the person’s conversation in WhatsApp > Tap on person’s name at the top
Step 2: Tap on Block Account
Step3: Tap on block account on the pop up
Threats expected from WhatsApp:
- Hackers/ Fake contacts can chat with you in the name of your original contact.
- Can get valuable details from you like a bank account pin number, which can be very dangerous to you.
Above mentioned are some of the basic privacy setting changes that you should follow to prevent an attack from cybercriminals in the internet world.
Though measures are taken, each one of you should understand the fact that there are still loopholes where these cybercriminals can dig into and enter into your life.
The only method is to limit the information you share via social media.
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