WhatsApp has been on a mission to bolster and fortify your privacy by introducing a series of functions throughout the year. These latest updates bring numerous security measures that may have slipped under your radar but are crucial for adding an extra layer of protection to all your messages. While some of these options are set up by default, others require manual configuration. Curious to know what these functions are? Keep reading as we explore them in detail.
In recent times, there has been a surge in cyber threats targeting the privacy of WhatsApp users. Cybercriminals often impersonate trusted contacts, urging you to send them a code that has inadvertently arrived in your WhatsApp account. In reality, these credentials belong exclusively to you, and yielding such information can lead to scams and entrapment by these malicious actors.
To combat these threats, the Meta-owned messaging application has launched a series of functions designed to enhance security in your most personal conversations, ensuring the safety of your information. However, to benefit from these significant changes on your Android or iOS device, you need to make some straightforward adjustments.
New Security Features in WhatsApp
WhatsApp is the most widely used communication platform in Spain and one of the most popular globally, with over 2 billion registered accounts. Unfortunately, this immense popularity has also made it a prime target for cybercriminals. As a result, it’s imperative to familiarize yourself with the latest security functions introduced in recent updates:
- End-to-End Encryption: WhatsApp now employs end-to-end encryption for messages, ensuring that secret codes within your messages can only be deciphered by the intended recipient.
- Two-Step Verification: This is a high-security login process that requires a second layer of authentication, providing additional protection for your account.
Manual Security Settings in WhatsApp
You can also manually configure some security settings within the app:
- Block Chats: You can protect your messages by blocking chats, effectively grouping them in a folder accessible only with a password or fingerprint. This feature also prevents chat notifications from displaying on your screen.
- Go to your WhatsApp chats screen.
- Select the profile of a person or group.
- Locate the “Block Chats” option.
- Confirm your choice to use biometrics or a password to access these locked conversations.
- Silence Calls: WhatsApp allows you to silence calls from unknown contacts. These calls won’t trigger notifications but will be recorded in the “Calls” tab for later review.
- Access WhatsApp settings.
- Navigate to the Privacy section.
- Scroll down to find the Calls section and activate the relevant option.
Automatic Security Features
WhatsApp has introduced several automatic security features to safeguard your account:
- Identity Verification when transferring your account to a new device.
- Blocking and identifying possible connection attempts by cyber attackers.
- Automatic security codes for end-to-end encryption verification.
Where to Find Privacy Features
To access all the privacy functions integrated into the messaging platform, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp settings and enter the Privacy section.
- At the top, you’ll find a prompt to review different privacy settings.
- Explore all the sections, including options for controlling who can contact you, managing personal information, enhancing chat privacy, and securing your account.
By implementing these security measures, you can significantly enhance your WhatsApp privacy and protect your valuable data from potential threats and scams.