The instant messaging service allows us to exchange texts, images, videos and other content with all our contacts. But is it really safe?
In recent days, Mark Zuckerberg's social platforms have been in the eye of the storm for the colossal downturn of over six hours.
Among these, the tool that he has impacted the most on our habits by blocking conversations was WhatsApp. The instant messaging service, in fact, allows us to exchange texts, images, videos and other contents with all our contacts.
Whatsapp, but is it really safe?
A multidisciplinary analysis of the three most popular messaging applications to have all the elements that allow us to make a conscious and informed choice. There is no doubt that thanks to end-to-end encryption it is much more difficult for hackers to read WhatsApp messages. WhatsApp is more secure than other messaging apps, but not 100% secure.
WhatsApp security breaches: are "private" messages really private?
WhatsApp is one of the most popular instant messaging apps and many consider it to be a real social network. So to continue our discussion on app security we will address some of the major security breaches and questions from many WhatsApp users and parents.
But before we begin, what is a security breach? In short, it is an attempt to exploit a vulnerability in an app, network or digital service, to access without authorization, generally for an illegal purpose. Following some fears of WhatsApp users and some suggestions for increasing security.
Are WhatsApp conversations private?
Yes, but there are exceptions. More than any other app, WhatsApp offers greater privacy thanks to end-to-end encryption that encodes messages so that only the people you communicate with can read them or listen to calls. But there is a catch: WhatsApp messages (including videos and photos) are vulnerable before they are encrypted and after they are decrypted if a hacker has managed to install a spyware on the phone. Spyware attacks in WhatsApp have already occurred. Safe Family Tip: No conversation between devices is 100% approved. To increase security in WhatsApp, keep conversations and confidential content offline, and keep the app up to date.
Could anyone read deleted WhatsApp messages?
WhatsApp users can access their deleted messages via the chat backup feature which automatically creates a backup of all messages at 2:00 am every day. WhatsApp users can delete a message with the Delete for all button within an hour of sending it, but this is not foolproof. The problem is that anyone who receives the message can capture it in a screenshot before it is deleted. So there is no way to prevent unwanted content from being scanned, stored or shared. There are also third-party apps that can recover deleted messages that have been shared by others. Another possibility is that hackers can access old chats stored in the cloud of a user's app. Safe Family Tip: Think hard before sharing messages or content that you may regret later.
Is it possible to permanently delete WhatsApp messages?
Even if a WhatsApp user decides to delete a message, there is no guarantee of confidentiality as conversations take place between two people and the other person could take a screenshot or save a copy of a chat, video or photo. security, you can delete a message and see it disappear, but WhatsApp still retains a "forensic chat trace" that hackers could use for data mining, according to some reports. Safe Family Tip: For added security, turn off backups in the Whatsapp.
How can I protect WhatsApp?
When using WhatsApp (or any other app) be aware of the most common scams, including malware, catfishing, work and money related scams, spyware and filejacking. To increase security, turn on security notifications in settings to get a warning if your security code is changed for some reason. Other ways to increase security: use two-step verification, never share six-digit verification code sent via SMS, disable cloud backup and set your profile as private. Safe Family Tip: Install full family security software and prevent physical access to your phone or laptop with facial recognition, fingerprint or passcode. Do not open (block or report) messages from unknown or spam. Never share personal information with people you don't know.
How do I delete my WhatsApp account from another phone?
To delete a WhatsApp account go to> Settings> Accounts> Delete account. When you delete your account, the message history is cleared, it is removed from groups and your backup data is deleted. According to WhatsApp, when a user changes their phone type, for example they switch from an iPhone to a phone with Android, and keeps the same phone number, the account information remains the same but it is not possible to transfer messages from one platform to another. If you don't keep the same phone number, delete WhatsApp from the old device, download it to the new phone and check the new number. If you upgrade the same type of phone, chances are you have options for transferring messages. Safe Family tip: Before exchanging or giving your old phone to others, permanently delete all data in it.
How do I know if someone has scanned my WhatsApp QR code?
WhatsApp users can easily sync their devices by downloading the WhatsApp Web App and activating it (Settings> WhatsApp Web / Desktop). The devices synchronize by scanning the QR code displayed on the desktop screen. If your QR code has been read by someone, a green chat screen will appear on your desktop. Safe Family Tip: A person with physical access to your desktop can scan the QR code and log into your account. If you think someone has accessed your account, log out of all active web sessions in WhatsApp on your mobile phone.
How long are WhatsApp messages kept?
According to what was declared by WhatsApp, messages are deleted from their servers after sending. This includes chats, photos, videos, voice messages and files. Messages can still be stored on every single device. Safe Family Tip: As soon as you submit any content online, you are no longer in control. The person or group receiving it can still store it on their device or cloud service. Never submit risky content.
Is it true that WhatsApp has already been hacked?
Yes. Several times and in various ways. There are no apps, services or networks that have proven impossible to hack. Safe Family Tip: Assume that any digital platform is vulnerable. Make the most of your security settings and never share risky content, financial data and personal information.
Is it safe to send photos via WhatsApp?
Encryption ensures that transmission is done securely, but this does not mean that WhatsApp content is safe or that human behavior is predictable. People (even trusted friends) can share private content and even try to illegally access the content you have shared. For this reason WhatsApp (together with other digital sharing channels) is not safe for the exchange of confidential information and photos. Safe Family Tip: Nothing is private on the Internet. Never send or receive photos that could endanger your privacy, reputation or digital presence.