WhatsApp, with more than 2,000 million users in the world, is candy for cybercriminals
Updating the app and keeping the latest version is the first safety guideline
Set up 2-Step Verification, turn off media auto-save, and keep important chats pinned
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WhatsApp It has become much more than a messaging application around the world, being used by more than 2,000 million people. This makes it also a attractive to that the cyber criminals carry out their scams. Thus, obvious as it may seem, it is important to have into account certain safety guidelines and mistakes we make.
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do not update whatsapp
This first tip may seem obvious, but many users refuse to upgrade because they want to stay on a version they like. There are alternative variants of WhatsApp that use old versions, taking advantage of bugs and ‘exploits’ to add unique features. The problem is that attackers also use those same vulnerabilities to get their attacks done. Therefore it is essential that always update whatsapp and keep in its last version.
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Do not open unknown links
The vast majority of ‘phishing’ scams are carried out through malicious links. That is, links to fake web pages pretending to be other companies and promising totally unrealistic gifts or promotions. It is also possible that these links are for downloading malicious files that either steal your data or take control of your phone.
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Never talk to unknown numbers
It is not uncommon for a cybercriminal to hijack a friend or family member’s account and then use it to attempt to scam their victim for money and the like. Sometimes they just use a newly created number. They pretend to be in trouble, explaining that they can’t use their usual number or that they urgently need money.
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In short, if you are not sure of the origin of a phone number and you see that it sends you a similar message, the best thing is to block it directly.
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Set up two-step verification
This is an extra step to verify your phone number to keep hackers out. Thus, you will have a PIN when you re-register your phone number in WhatsApp.
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Lock your group settings
There is an option to prevent strangers from adding you to groups. Go to WhatsApp ‘settings’, then ‘account’, then ‘privacy’ and then ‘groups’. You can now choose who can send you group invites.
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Turn off media autosave
Make sure your WhatsApp is not saving all media files to your phone storage. Open the app, click on ‘settings’ and then ‘storage and data’. Next, click on ‘chats’ and disable the ‘save’ button.
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Keep your most important chats pinned
It is a easy way to prioritize to your favorite people. If you have a very busy WhatsApp, sometimes important people can get buried under work groups and chats.
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Do not send your WhatsApp code to anyone
There is a scam you should be aware of. The attack revolves around the six-digit verification code WhatsApp gives you when you want to regain access to your account. It also consists of a cybercriminal taking control of one of your contacts’ WhatsApp accounts and sending you messages pretending to be them to ask for your number.
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Auto delete WhatsApp texts
WhatsApp also has a newly added feature that will automatically self-destruct new texts after a day. The new update aims to enhance your privacy, destroying old messages. To do this, go to ‘settings’, ‘account’, ‘privacy’ and then activate the ‘default message timer’. This function was added a few weeks agoso make sure you have updated WhatsApp to its latest version.
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