Recent reports from Cybernews have revealed a concerning breach of privacy, with the phone numbers of nearly 500 million WhatsApp users leaked and available for sale. This database encompasses private information from WhatsApp users across more than 80 countries, underscoring the importance of fortifying your WhatsApp privacy and security measures.
While the scale of this alleged leak is alarming, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard your data and enhance your privacy on WhatsApp. Here are some essential tips to bolster your WhatsApp security:
Enable Two-Step Verification
Activating two-step verification is a fundamental step in fortifying your WhatsApp privacy. This built-in feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique six-digit PIN to verify your identity, particularly when switching to a new device. Simply navigate to WhatsApp Settings, select Account, then Two-Step Verification, and enable this feature.
Verify Encryption for Sensitive Conversations
While WhatsApp encrypts all chats by default, it’s prudent to verify encryption, especially for sensitive conversations involving confidential information such as financial details. To do so, initiate a conversation, tap on the contact’s name, then select Encryption to confirm the security of your communication.
Turn on Security Notifications
Stay informed about potential security breaches by enabling security notifications. WhatsApp notifies you whenever a new device accesses an existing chat or when there’s a change in the security code. To activate security notifications, go to WhatsApp Settings, select Account, then Security, and enable the ‘Show security notification’ option.
Disable Cloud Backups
Minimize the risk of data exposure by disabling cloud backups for your WhatsApp chats. Navigate to WhatsApp Settings, select Chats, then Chat Backup, and choose the option ‘Backup to Google Drive’ followed by ‘Never’ to disable cloud backups entirely.
Exercise Caution with Unknown Links
Exercise caution when encountering unknown links on WhatsApp, as malicious links pose a significant security threat. Before clicking on any suspicious links, copy and verify them using reputable link-checking sites such as Norton Safe Web or PhishTank to mitigate the risk of malware or phishing attacks.
Hide WhatsApp Media from Gallery
Protect your privacy further by preventing WhatsApp media, including images and videos, from appearing in your phone’s gallery. Simply navigate to WhatsApp Settings, select Chats, then Media Visibility, and disable the toggle to ensure that WhatsApp media remains accessible only within the app.
Logout of WhatsApp Web When Inactive
While WhatsApp Web offers convenience, it’s essential to log out when not in use to prevent unauthorized access to your data. By logging out of WhatsApp Web after each session, you minimize the risk of data exposure, particularly on shared or public devices.
By implementing these proactive measures, you can enhance your privacy and security on WhatsApp, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and safeguarding your personal information from potential breaches.
Jade Simon
