WhatsApp is considered by many the best chat app and it plays an important part in the lives of many users. The developers are working hard in order to release constantly new updates that will strengthen the security of the app, but there are a few things that you can do yourself in order to secure your conversations.
Don’t backup your messages in the cloud
WhatsApp messages are encrypted, which means that no one is able to see them, except for you and the person that receives them. Encryption is incredibly efficient, and not even hackers can get past that. However, if there are backup copies for your conversations in iCloud or Google Drive, they are vulnerable and the data can be read.
In order to disable cloud backups, go to Settings > Chats > Backup and you can choose how often you want to backup your chats. In order to disable backup simply choose the Never option.
Show Security Notifications
Security codes are important, but sometimes you don’t know whether a contact has changed his or hers. In order to be notified whenever this happens go to Setting > Account > Security and enable it. Bellow it you will see: “Turn on this setting to receive notifications when a contact’s security code has changed. The messages you send and your calls are encrypted regardless of this setting, when possible”
Check Security codes
A security code is created whenever you initiate a new chat with someone. Sometimes it can be useful to check the code in order to make sure that everything is alright. Tap the profile picture of your contact and select Encryption. The code should be the same for you and the other person. If it is different it means that someone hacked your chat.
