WhatsApp Users Are Advised To Protect Accounts From Hackers
WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption has earned some mixed responses from users as well as authorities. Researchers have found out the flaw in the app in which a severe security problem could have left millions of accounts vulnerable to hackers.
This can be triggered by clicking and opening a file of malicious origin, allowing hackers to view the conversations, contacts, videos, photos, and shared files, among others. Thus, attackers should be able to download your images and post them over the Web, while sending messages and demand ransom or even victimize the accounts of your friends at your own expense.
Good thing though, WhatsApp has found a way to fix it. In fact, WhatsApp has responded quickly by deploying the mitigation against possible exploitation of the issue. Users are then advised to take necessary measures to fend off possible attacks using WhatsApp as a medium.
Protecting Yourself from Possible Attacks
Despite the resolution of the problem found earlier, researchers encourage users to take simple defensive steps in order to protect their information. For this reason, they are advised to clear all logged-in computers periodically from the WhatsApp account settings.
Moreover, it is not proper to open any suspicious files and links coming from numbers that they are not familiar with. Some tips were also provided in order to secure your account from potential hackers, which include the following:
- Using fingerprint security or PIN – By putting a lock on the screen of your devices, you can protect sensitive data and apps.
- Increasing privacy settings – This can be done by going into the Settings app and tapping the Privacy tab. Apps have some privileges that you can turn off or on.
- Turning off notifications – Take note that notifications on the lock screen might give away some confidential or personal data to hackers. This is regardless of being a handy feature of the mobile device you are using.
- Using longer passphrase – Turn the Touch ID & Passcode on if your mobile device has these features. Thus, you need to turn off the use of simple passcode by creating longer or more complex combination of characters to protect your WhatsApp account.