How secure is WhatsApp? You need to know

Since WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption in 2016, the Messenger service's security is considered much better. All information is now transmitted encrypted and can only be read by the legitimate recipient.

The security of WhatsApp in check

The security of WhatsApp has often been criticized in recent years. Since then, however, many functions have been changed and the security standards have been significantly increased. This is also due to the fact that the various messenger services are similar in their functions and security has become more and more the decisive selling point. Encrypted apps like Threema and Telegram, which have become increasingly popular since 2014, put WhatsApp in a bind.Since 2016, all chats on WhatsApp are now protected by end-to-end encryption. This means that information is transmitted encrypted and can only be decrypted and viewed by the legitimate recipient.

Check end-to-end encryption.

When you start a new chat, you will receive a message that the messages will be encrypted from now on. You can also check this:

1. Meet with one of your contacts. Open the chat with the corresponding contact.
2. Tap on the contact's name at the top.
3. Tap on "Encryption" afterwards. You can now match the numbers or scan the QR code of your acquaintance.

This data is particularly interesting for third parties

Many users fear for sensitive content such as photos or private messages. This data is only interesting for hackers in special cases. For example, if someone wants to harm you specifically or you become the focus of government investigators. More interesting for third parties are connection data and contacts. This can be used to assign age and interest groups in order to offer personalized advertising. Anyone who installs WhatsApp gives the app the right to match all stored contacts.