Whatsapp, considered the most popular instant messaging medium, is used by most of us for personal and official communication. This rage has made it easier for lawbreakers to trick innocent people, like sharing phishing links to steal money from your account or your certifications. Sometimes, this app is used to disseminate fake news or information.

So, for the security of its users, Whatsapp has presented features that entrust users to protect themselves on the platform. Here are some tips to follow to be on the securer side.

 

Use the Disappearing Messages element where needed.

New messages sent in the individual or group chat disappear depending on the time users select. View Once permits the users to send photos and videos that vanish from the message after they are opened. WhatsApp has also disabled the screenshot alternative, which means that the recipient cannot take screenshots of such chats.

 

Set two-step verification for your account

It can allow users to add a layer of security to their account by enabling the two-step verification element, which requires a six-digit PIN when resetting and confirming your WhatsApp account. It is valuable if a SIM card is stolen or the phone is compromised.

 

Block and report unwanted contacts

WhatsApp provides a simple method for users to block accounts through which users can efficiently report to WhatsApp if they experience inappropriate messages. Also, WhatsApp helps people to keep authorized messages on their phones if they want to communicate them with fact-checkers or law enforcement officials.

 

Check who can see your profile photo.

Make sure that you do not share your profile photo with strangers. Users can control their attributes, like profile photo, last seen, online status, about, status, and who witnesses it, like everyone, contacts only, select contacts, or no one. 

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Be cautious of what you click on

Do not click on any link delivered to you by unknown sources. Some messages often contain links to a website or request keys to confidential information with disguised malware. Users must think before they click on such links to avoid scams.

 

Download WhatsApp from official authorities only.

Make sure to download and install your WhatsApp from authentic sources on your mobile phones and desktop. Fake authorities will tend to steal your data. 

 

Avoid sharing sensitive details.

Conveying sensitive details such as addresses, phone numbers, passwords, credit/debit card numbers, and bank account data should be avoided on WhatsApp.