From end-to-end encryption, to two-step verification, there are several ways to secure your WhatsApp profile and protect your data
There is no doubt that WhatsApp has no rivals, as the numbers also show. And over the years, among the many innovations launched, the company has also invested in user security, introducing some important features.
The most significant is end-to-end encryption, a necessary system, considering the amount of information that the application handles every day. Simply put, end-to-end encryption, launched in mid-2016, prevents users' conversations from being intercepted by third parties. The technology relies on two keys, one private and the other public, which are used to encrypt and decrypt messages sent and received by two people. A simple technology (used since the 1980s) but effective in protecting communications between WhatsApp users.
If we want, we can further improve account security, thus reducing the chances of our data falling into the wrong hands. How? By implementing certain measures.
WhatsApp for the Web: get out of all computers
As you know, WhatsApp allows its users (Android, iOS, Windows) to use the instant messaging service from the web as well. You just need to scan the QR code through your smartphone. That's all. The problem (common to many other accounts) is when we forget to log out of the system. An oversight that can cost us dearly. Especially if we used a public PC. Anyone, in fact, could access our data. In these cases, the first thing to do is open the app from your smartphone, go to "WhatsApp Web" and press the option that allows you to log out of all computers.
Two-factor authentication
Introduced a few months ago, two-factor authentication is a security tool that prevents other people from accessing our account, using only our phone number. As is well known, to activate the messaging service, the app needs a verification code, which if intercepted could put our data in danger. The two-step verification, once activated, needs a 6-digit code in addition to the phone number. Without the PIN, it is impossible to use WhatsApp. To enable it, open the application's settings. Click on "Accounts" and, then, on "Two-step verification". At this point you will have to press on "Enable". WhatsApp will ask you to enter the 6-digit security code and an email address (useful for resetting the password).
Protect your privacy
Most of the photos we post on social networks we would like to be seen only by our friends. Often, however, we forget that, if we do not change the privacy settings, they can be viewed (and downloaded) by anyone. The same applies to WhatsApp. If we do not want someone to take possession of our profile picture is good to act, preventing him from accessing the photos. How to do it? From the app's settings, open "Account" and from there select "Privacy". In the next menu, click on "Profile Picture" and finally on "My Contacts".
Securing WhatsApp
Leaving aside passwords and biometric security systems, a useful stratagem to protect WhatsApp is to rely on external applications, whose main task is to block access to the Facebook app. The software does nothing but allow users to set a code, without which WhatsApp cannot be opened. The systems are very useful when, for example, we lend the phone to someone.
Close the gallery
If you value your privacy, perhaps it is also the case to block the storage of photos, sent and received via WhatsApp, in the image gallery. Although the process is slightly complex, it could prove to be a very useful weapon against "snoopers". Check if there is a file manager on your Android smartphone (usually most devices have one pre-installed) and use it to search for the WhatsApp image folder. At this point, once located, press on the + icon and create the .nomedia file. Restart the phone and the WhatsApp images will disappear from the gallery.
Watch out for suspicious links
This point deserves special attention. There are, in fact, many dangers that run on WhatsApp. Often the trick used by hackers is the same: a text and a link to open. The risks range from phishing to malware and viruses. The advice: don't take the bait. Don't click on suspicious links from unknown people.
Ask for account deletion
If you come to ask for account deletion it is because you have lost your cell phone or someone has stolen it. In such cases it is advisable to deactivate your WhatsApp profile. The only way is to send an email to the company. The message should be sent to [email protected] and have the following subject: Lost/stolen: deactivation of my account, to which you should add your phone number. Remember to enter the number in full, using the international standard.