WhatsApp is one of the largest instant messaging channels, and many consider it a social network in itself. Therefore, to continue analyzing app security, we focus on some of the major security flaws and questions that many parents and WhatsApp users may have.
But first, what is a security breach? Simply put, it’s an attempt to exploit a weakness in an app, network, or digital service to gain unauthorized access, usually to commit an illicit act. Here are some concerns WhatsApp users may have and some suggestions for improving security.
Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp security flaws
Are WhatsApp conversations private?
Yes, but there are exceptions. Unlike other apps, WhatsApp offers more privacy thanks to end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and the person you’re communicating with can read messages or listen to calls. However, WhatsApp messages (which include videos and photos) are vulnerable before they are encrypted and after they are decrypted if a hacker has managed to leave spyware on the phone. Several spyware attacks have already occurred on WhatsApp. Safe Family Tip: No conversation shared across devices is ever 100% private. To increase your security on WhatsApp, keep sensitive conversations and content offline and update your app.
Can anyone read my deleted WhatsApp messages?
WhatsApp users can access their own deleted messages through the chat backup feature, which automatically backs up all messages at 2 a.m. every day. WhatsApp users can delete a message with the Delete for Everyone button up to an hour after sending it, although it’s not foolproof. Here’s the catch: Whoever receives the message before it’s deleted can take a screenshot of it. So, there’s no way to guarantee that the unfortunate content won’t be captured, archived, or shared. There are also third-party apps that retain deleted messages shared by others. Another possibility is that a hacker could access past chats stored in the app user’s cloud. Safe Family Tip: Think carefully before sharing messages or content you might later regret.
Can WhatsApp messages be permanently deleted?
Even if a WhatsApp user decides to delete a message, privacy isn’t guaranteed because conversations are two-way, and the recipient can take a screenshot or save a copy of the chat, video, or photo. On the security front, you can delete a message and watch it disappear, but WhatsApp retains a “forensic chat trace” that hackers can use to mine data, according to some reports. Safe Family Tip: To increase security, disable backups in WhatsApp settings.
How can I protect my WhatsApp?
It’s crucial that when using WhatsApp (or any other app), you’re on the lookout for common scams, such as malware, fake identities, job and financial scams, spyware, and file manipulation. To increase security, enable security notifications in your settings so you’ll be notified if, for any reason, your security code changes. Other ways to optimize security include using two-step verification, never sharing your 6-digit SMS verification code, disabling cloud backup, and setting your profile to private. Safe Family Tip: Install comprehensive family security software and secure physical access to your phone or laptop with a face ID, fingerprint, or password. Don’t open (block and report) messages from strangers or spammers. Never share personal information with anyone you don’t know.
How do I delete my WhatsApp account from another phone?
To delete a WhatsApp account, go to Settings > Account > Delete My Account. When you delete the account, your message history is deleted, you are removed from groups, and your backup data is removed. According to WhatsApp, for users who switch from one type of phone to another, such as from an iPhone to an Android phone, and keep the same phone number, your account information remains intact, but you won’t be able to migrate messages between platforms. If you’re not keeping the same number, you should delete WhatsApp from your old phone, download WhatsApp on your new phone, and verify the new phone number. If you’re switching to a later version of the same phone, it will likely include the option to migrate messages. Safe Family Tip: Before giving away or trading in an old phone, erase all data.
How do you know your WhatsApp has been scanned?
Los usuarios de WhatsApp pueden sincronizar fácilmente los dispositivos descargando la aplicación web de WhatsApp y activándola (Configuración > WhatsApp Web/Escritorio). Los dispositivos se sincronizan escaneando un código QR que aparece en la pantalla de su computadora portátil. Sabe que su dispositivo se escanea cuando aparece la pantalla de chat verde en su escritorio. Consejo de Safe Family: Una persona con acceso físico a su escritorio puede escanear el código QR y acceder a la cuenta. Si cree que alguien tiene acceso a su cuenta, cierre todas las sesiones web activas de WhatsApp en su teléfono móvil.
¿Durante cuánto tiempo se guardan los mensajes de WhatsApp?
Según WhatsApp, una vez que se reciben los mensajes de un usuario, se eliminan de los servidores de WhatsApp. Esto incluye los chats, las fotos, los videos, los mensajes de voz y los archivos. Los mensajes igualmente pueden guardarse en el dispositivo de cada persona. Consejo de Safe Family: En cuanto envía algún contenido por línea, pierde su control. La persona o el grupo que lo recibe puede guardarlo igualmente en su dispositivo o en su servicio en la nube. Nunca envíe contenido que pueda quedar expuesto.
¿Es seguro WhatsApp?
Sin duda el cifrado de extremo a extremo hace que sea mucho más difícil que los hackers lean los mensajes de WhatsApp. Si bien WhatsApp es más segura que otras aplicaciones de mensajería, no es 100% segura.
¿Es cierto que WhatsApp ha sufrido hackeos?
Sí, en varias oportunidades y de diferentes maneras. Ninguna aplicación, servicio o red ha demostrado ser imposible de hackear. Consejo de Safe Family: Suponga que toda plataforma digital es vulnerable. Maximice la configuración de privacidad, nunca comparta contenido que pueda quedar expuesto, información financiera o datos personales.
¿Es seguro enviar imágenes por WhatsApp?
El cifrado garantiza que la transmisión sea segura, pero eso no significa que el contenido de WhatsApp sea seguro o que el comportamiento humano sea predecible. Cualquiera (incluso los amigos de confianza) puede compartir contenido privado. Las personas también pueden intentar obtener acceso no autorizado al contenido que ha compartido. Esto hace que WhatsApp (además de otros canales digitales para compartir contenido) sea inseguro para enviar información confidencial o fotos. Consejo de Safe Family: Nada en Internet es privado. Nunca envíe ni reciba imágenes que puedan poner en peligro su privacidad, reputación o huella digital.
WhatsApp isn’t the only popular app with security holes that hackers can exploit. Any app or network connected to the internet is at risk of some type of cyberattack. We hope this post sparks family conversations that help your children use this and other apps wisely, and that it helps keep your family’s online privacy and security top of mind.
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