Security gaps in the WhatsApp messenger service keep cropping up. Many users are worried about whether hackers are reading their private WhatsApp messages. We give you tips on how to protect yourself from smartphone spying.
Data security on WhatsApp? Millions of people use the messenger service and send countless messages to family, friends or work colleagues every day. Our smartphones now carry a lot of sensitive data. But the awareness of protecting this data often gives way to the latest feature or the hottest app in the store.
However, the digital zeitgeist and data protection are not mutually exclusive. With some simple tips you can detect WhatsApp spying in time and protect yourself from brazen hackers.
Detecting WhatsApp spying: These are the most common warning signs
There are now many Spionage-Appswhich can access a large amount of data on your smartphone. Whether it’s call lists, browser cache, calendar activities or WhatsApp chat histories – if you give these apps permission, the “spyware” will exploit its capabilities and fish out sensitive data. If a spy app accesses data from your WhatsApp history and reads messages, for example, this information will be sent directly to the person monitoring it, even without your consent.
Check therefore regularly your downloaded smartphone apps! Android users in particular should be particularly careful here. Their operating systems are more vulnerable to unauthorized access. But be careful: secretly installed spy apps usually appear not in the usual app overviewInstead, you can find them in your smartphone settings under “Apps and notifications”. Pay particular attention to one of the following apps:
- SpyBubble
- mSpy
- FlexiSpy
- TheTruthSpy
- Spyzie
So-called “spy” apps are usually very large. This means that they use a lot of battery and a lot of data. Not only do they run unnoticed in the background, but they also transmit your data directly to the hackers. Therefore, if you notice that your Battery or data usage unusually high although you use your smartphone normally, there is reason to be suspicious. It is also possible that your Smartphone reacts more slowly than usual.
Another warning sign can appear during phone calls. If you hear unusual background noises when making phone callsthis may be an indication that the conversation is being monitored or recorded.
WhatsApp Web: Can hackers read your messages?
If your smartphone is connected to a computer, i.e. the “WhatsApp Web” program has been activated, you should handle it with caution. If you are near a connected computer, scanning a QR code once is enough to be spied on.
You can minimize this risk by regularly check how many devices your WhatsApp account is used onTo do this, open WhatsApp on your smartphone and select the three-dot menu. All connected devices or browsers will then be displayed under the “Linked devices” tab. If you notice any unusual activity, you can disconnect the respective connection with just one click.
Prevent smartphone spying: Top 9 data protection tips
- Basically, don’t let your smartphone out of your sight and borrow your device only trustworthy people.
- Keep your Passwords, lock codes, etc. for you. If you write them down, think carefully about where you can keep them most safely.
- Activate the Two-factor authentication.
- Send no sensitive data via WhatsApp and refrain from forwarding Chain letters. You should also WhatsApp contact requests from unknown numbers ignore.
- Install a Antivirus or anti-spyware apps like “Anti Spy Mobile Free”. These perform regular scans and warn you immediately when malicious files are found.
- In your smartphone settings you can Block installation of apps from unknown manufacturers.
- Delete appsthat you no longer use from your smartphone.
- Unknown files or attachments You should never open, download or save on your mobile device.
- Lead regular system and app updates to avoid missing important security updates.
