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WhatsApp is the number one most popular digital messaging app used across the world. With over two billion users across 180 countries and 100 million in the US, there’s no denying WhatsApp’s influence in the messaging market.
WhatsApp is also known for its encrypted messaging channels, fun stickers and customizations, and the ability to facilitate communication across countries without international fees. There are clearly a lot of positives associated with WhatsApp, but when it comes down to it, is WhatsApp safe to use?
Read on to learn more about the safety features, flaws, and overall security capabilities to be aware of when dealing with WhatsApp.
What Is WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is a global messaging app that allows you to connect with friends, family, and coworkers across the globe without incurring phone fees, international or otherwise. WhatsApp will never charge you for incoming or outgoing calls or messages, unlike regular carrier companies.
Some data rates may apply because video calling and media/file sharing require a Wi-Fi/data connection. WhatsApp is available to both Android and iOS users and can be downloaded from the app store. WhatsApp joined Facebook in 2014 and is currently run under the parent company Meta but still operates as its own app.
On WhatsApp, you can send:
- Written messages (texts)
- Voice messages (calls or pre-recorded)
- Photos
- Videos/media recordings
- Files
- Personal location
WhatsApp is not a second phone number app and does not provide you with a new number. Instead, you enter your personal number into WhatsApp, and it uses that number within the app.
It’s important to mention that WhatsApp is primarily designed for everyday use. Its goal is to help you communicate and connect with friends and family around the world quickly and safely.
WhatsApp does have a business platform that’s designed to handle more sensitive material, but overall, it’s a civilian messaging app. It’s not designed for top secret agent sensitive spy communications, so just because 100% security can’t be guaranteed shouldn’t deter you from using the app.
What Is WhatsApp for Business?
WhatsApp Business includes a Business Platform designed to handle traffic between businesses and customers for medium to large companies. You may use this platform to send out promotional material, update customers with shipping details, appointment availability, and order confirmations, run a customer support chat, and even allow customers to browse products and place orders within WhatsApp.
The whole idea is ease of access and convenience, allowing customers from around the world to stay within an app they’re comfortable with and already using to interact with your business. WhatsApp Business also has a business app designed to facilitate conversations between small businesses and customers.
You can showcase your products within the app and provide support so the customer receives an intimate, personal experience while virtually shopping with you. Again, the perk is that they can explore your business within an app they already know and feel comfortable in, reducing digital barriers.
WhatsApp’s Privacy and Security Features
WhatsApp is designed with privacy at the forefront, with end-to-end encryption automatically included on all messages. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) is a cybersecurity feature that ensures only the sender and the receiver are able to read their messages.
Even WhatsApp can’t access the chat. When you send a message, the text is encrypted when it leaves your device and is only decrypted when it reaches the recipient’s device.
WhatsApp offers additional features, including:
- Two-step verification: You can set up two-step verification by creating a six-digit PIN. This helps prevent unauthorized logins on your account.
- Chat lock: Allows you to password-protect specific chats so no one using your phone can see them.
- Disappearing messages: Allows you to set up which messages stay and which ones disappear (and after how long).
- Silence unknown callers: Automatically prevent unknown callers from disturbing you.
- Encrypted backups: Encrypt your backup messages in Google Drive or iCloud for boosted privacy.
- Last seen and online: Dictate who can see your online status and who can see what time you were last on WhatsApp.
- Automatic spam detection: WhatsApp will automatically filter out most spam callers, so you don’t have to deal with them.
- Security alerts: You’ll be prompted to verify your identity if suspicious activity on your account is detected.
- Age restriction: It’s difficult to enforce this, but WhatsApp requires its users to be at least 13 years of age (higher in some countries). If a user is found or reported to be under 13, they will be removed from the app.
- General cybersecurity: Block and report suspicious callers/contacts to WhatsApp.
With this wide variety of security features and more, WhatsApp is generally considered a safe and secure app. But like all online platforms, there are always safety risks that come with even the safest apps.
WhatsApp Business Privacy and Security Features
WhatsApp Business comes with all the same security bells and whistles as regular WhatsApp. It promises to keep customer data private and secure by layering protections into the app’s code. Meta also promises to adhere to industry privacy standards and best practices in regards to privacy.
WhatsApp Safety Risks
Overall, WhatsApp is considered a safe app to use, given the level of security, privacy, and safety it advertises. As long as you make sure all of the security features mentioned above are turned on, you should be good to use WhatsApp for your daily messaging needs.
The main security risks on WhatsApp are data collection and cybersecurity issues that are prevalent across all other messaging platforms as well, like stranger danger, malware, phishing, and more.
Data Collection
While WhatsApp has to hold true to its promise not to track the content of your chats, the app still collects user data, such as your name, age, usage, and other profile information. Because Meta is WhatsApp’s parent company, they will have access to this data as well, which is more concerning.
Stranger Danger
WhatsApp comes with built-in spam-blocking features, but it’s impossible to block every unknown number. If someone finds your phone number and chooses to message you, they will likely be able to unless they have been previously flagged as spam.
Strangers can send you malware, pretend to be someone they’re not, and persuade you to give up personal information, send money, or attempt to scam you in any other number of ways.
WhatsApp Advertising
WhatsApp allows brands to send promotional messages and advertisements to users via chat. While these ads aren’t always unsafe, they are certainly annoying and distract you from the chats that matter.
Phishing
The ads mentioned above aren’t always harmless and can sometimes be phishing scams, where people pose as real companies and request personal information from you. A good rule of thumb is never to give out personal information or data over WhatsApp unless absolutely necessary and only when directly chatting with someone you trust.
Phishers can also sneak into group chats and more subtly trick you into clicking on a seemingly normal link or download, since it’s part of a large group chat. With the right information, phishing can lead to bigger problems like identity theft.
Malware
Within fraudulent texts, scammers can include links or downloads that install malware onto your device and even go on to mine your device’s data without you knowing. Avoid clicking on any links from unknown senders, and avoid even opening the chat if possible.
How Do I Use WhatsApp Safely?
The biggest thing when using WhatsApp to keep in mind is to stay alert and trust your instincts. If something seems suspicious, it probably is, especially if it involves an unknown number.
But aside from trusting your gut, here are a few specific things you can do to ensure WhatsApp is as safe as possible:
Use a Second Phone Number
Instead of giving WhatsApp your primary number, you can always sign up for a second phone number app like Burner phone and use that number instead. That way, if your account gets hacked, the hacker only gets access to your second number. Try Burner today to experience the benefits of a second number.
The one risk with this method is that your second number is less permanent than your main one. In the event that it gets deleted or you switch it out for a new one, you can change your number within WhatsApp.
Look Out for Red Flags
Here are a few common indicators of a scam message on WhatsApp:
- Improper spelling/grammar
- An urgent call to action
- A request for your personal information
- A request to click on a link
- Asking you to pay to use WhatsApp
If you see a message that includes one or more of these things, report and delete it.
Use a VPN
To protect your location and internet activity, especially while on public Wi-Fi, it’s a good idea to use a VPN while using WhatsApp for additional privacy. You can explore options on the web and choose one that best fits your needs.
Burner offers a Premium VPN service that couldn’t be easier — or more secure. Once you’ve upgraded your standard line to premium, it’s a few simple steps.
- Open the Burner app.
- Tap VPN at the bottom of the inbox.
- Tap the middle start button to connect! That's all!
Just tap the VPN power button and follow the on-screen instructions. The app will guide you through the setup process, which may involve installing a VPN profile or configuration.
In terms of security, Burner VPN has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that your online activity is never tracked or recorded. Your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through secure VPN servers, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online behavior.
So, Is WhatsApp Safe To Use?
The bottom line is, yes, WhatsApp is relatively safe to use. Nothing is ever 100% secure, but WhatsApp provides more protection and security features than the standard phone messaging app. Always make sure you download the real WhatsApp app and turn on all the additional security features.
If you’re looking for something super secure, consider using an extra strong app like Signal Private Messenger.
Sources:
Is WhatsApp Safe? Tips for Staying Secure
WhatsApp Privacy | Secure and Private Messaging
WhatsApp Privacy | Secure and Private Messaging
Is WhatsApp safe? How to keep your chats and data secure
