WhatsApp getting hacked is more common than most users realize, and with over two billion people relying on it for daily communication, the risks are higher than ever. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new tactics to exploit unsuspecting users, from phishing scams to unauthorized access using stolen verification codes. The consequences can range from stolen personal data to complete account takeovers. Fortunately, there are proven ways to protect yourself. In this article, we’ll explore practical steps you can take to secure your WhatsApp account and keep your conversations private.
WhatsApp provides advanced chat privacy tools that go beyond standard features like hiding your profile picture or last seen status. It includes added layers of protection for individual chats and user interactions, ensuring that your private conversations stay truly private.
Here are top 5 essential features to prevent your account from getting hacked:
Encrypted Cloud Backups:
In addition to securing messages during transmission, WhatsApp also offers end-to-end encryption for cloud backups. Whether you’re using Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iPhone, your chat history and media stored in the cloud are protected from unauthorized access. This ensures your data remains private even if your cloud account is compromised.
Group Invitation Controls:
WhatsApp allows you to decide who can add you to group chats, giving you more control over your group interactions. You can choose to allow only your contacts, specific contacts, or no one at all to add you to groups without your approval. This feature helps prevent spam and reduces unwanted or unsolicited group additions.
Mute Unknown Callers:
To minimize disruptions and improve privacy, WhatsApp offers an option to mute calls from unknown numbers. When enabled, calls from people not in your contact list will be silenced, though they will still appear in your call log and notifications. This helps you avoid disturbances from spam or unsolicited callers while maintaining a record of the communication.
Enhanced Chat Privacy:
WhatsApp provides advanced chat privacy tools that go beyond standard features like hiding your profile picture or last seen status. It includes added layers of protection for individual chats and user interactions, ensuring that your private conversations stay truly private. These features empower users to manage their visibility and control how others interact with them on the platform.
One-Time View for Media:
For users looking to share sensitive or temporary content securely, WhatsApp offers a “View Once” feature for media. Photos and videos sent with this option can only be viewed once by the recipient before disappearing from the chat. This adds a layer of privacy and control, ensuring that shared content isn’t stored or forwarded without consent.