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With all the applications available, there are many options for digital messaging outside the integrated text function on your phone. WhatsApp stands out as one of the most popular programs for people who wish to communicate with a large group, make voice calls and otherwise stay in touch with their friends and loved ones. But as with any other online service, the Risk of scams And data violations on WhatsApp are always a possibility. This is why it is just to take a second before the download and to ask if WhatsApp is safe to use. We contacted cybersecurity experts to get their point of view on the messaging application and how to manage the safety risks it could pose.

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What is WhatsApp?

If you are a smartphone user, you probably know that you can directly send a message to people via a few different avenues: in addition to regular texts, you can directly send a message to other users of social media platforms via these platforms (like via a direct Instagram message) or you can send messages via an autonomous messaging application. Whatsapp falls out in this last category.

"WhatsApp is a widely used messaging application that allows users to send text messages, make voice phone calls and video calls and share images, documents and other supports with other WhatsApp users ", explain Seth Geftic , vice-president of product marketing at cybersecurity company Huntresse. "It works on the internet, which makes it accessible from mobile devices and desktops."

The program - which now belongs to Meta, formerly known as Facebook - has also become popular because it is relatively easy to start using. "It uses your phone number as a single identifier to configure your WhatsApp account and use its email infrastructure, allowing you to connect with users from your contacts who also use its platform," explains Yashin Manraj , CEO of Software security company Pvotal. This means that you can easily find friends, family and partners once you have downloaded the WhatsApp application.

It's free?

Similar to other popular messaging applications, WhatsApp does not take much to configure and start using - and it does not require any type of payment or subscription.

"WhatsApp is free to download and use," explains Geftic. "It does not charge users for messaging or calls, but it requires an internet connection, via WiFi or mobile data, which you must pay according to your data plan."

How does WhatsApp work?

At first glance, WhatsApp offers several of the same features that your phone has already integrated.

"WhatsApp uses your phone's internet connection to allow you to send a message and call your friends and family," said Geftic. "Of course, if you give him access to him, he fits into the contact list of your phone, allowing you to connect easily with people who also have the application. And share things like photos or Videos.

However, according to John Price , CEO of Subrosa, a Cybersecurity consultation , WhatsApp is different because it claims to secure communications with end -to -end encryption.

"This means that the messages are encrypted on the sender's device and only decrypted on the recipient's device, which makes anyone impossible - including WhatsApp or third parties - to read them in transit," -he.

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Is WhatsApp is sure?

Safety features such as end -to -end encryption are a convincing argument to use WhatsApp on other email applications to discuss. But despite this additional advantage, is WhatsApp generally secure? Experts have mixed opinions on the issue.

"WhatsApp incorporates several security features, which makes it relatively safe compared to many other messaging platforms," ​​explains Geftic. "But although end -to -end encryption offers robust security where, theoretically, only the sender and the recipient can access the information, it is not infallible and you must always remain vigilant, update the software regularly and be aware of phishing attacks. "

Before you start sending WhatsApp messages, there are a few things you need to know.

Is WhatsApp is sure to share private photos?

Sharing pictures with friends and family is a daily event for most people. But if you plan to send private photos on the messaging application, you will want to keep some things in mind.

"Sharing photos via WhatsApp is generally safe because encryption protects images during transmission, ensuring that they are not accessible to unauthorized parts," explains Geftic. "However, once the private photos have been received and open, they are sensitive to risks if the recipient's system is compromised or if they are shared later without protective measures, potentially exposing content to involuntary viewers."

There is also a potential problem with stored WhatsApp data. "If cloud backups are activated, these are not protected by end-to-end encryption and could be accessible by unauthorized parties," warns the price.

Are my conversations secured on WhatsApp?

Unfortunately, although WhatsApp is figuring its messages, many of the same risks with images apply to the conversations you have.

"End -to -end encrypted messages are secured during transmission, armored listening and interceptors. However, once a conversation has reached the recipient and is displayed on their device, it becomes vulnerable to threats if the device is compromised , or if the details are inadvertently shared or exposed by screenshots or discussions heard, "explains Geftic.

Essentially, this means that your WhatsApp message could be in the hands of someone else if your device or other is the prey of a pirate or other bad actor. This means that even if you use WhatsApp safely, your messages may always be exposed due to someone else's mistake.

"Although there is no evidence that the end -to -end encryption has been violated, there have been many individual cases where the media or shared messages are disclosed, hacked or otherwise obtained from conversations WhatsApp, "explains Manraj.

Whatsapp security risks

The digital age has proven that no application or program is invincible or impenetrable. It is important to keep this in mind, even if some of its features make whatsapp secure in a way that other messaging applications are not.

"Despite its encryption strong, WhatsApp is not without security risks," said Alexander Linton , director of messaging application Session.

Here is what you need to know about the risk of cybersecurity to use the messaging application:

Metadata

Personal data violations have become shocking. Unfortunately, experts say that the messaging platform could be another potential exhibition outing.

"People are concerned about the collection and sharing of user metadata," said Linton. "Although metadata does not seem to be a big problem, this can considerably compromise your privacy."

Manraj underlines that the application can collect a lot of information on your use in WhatsApp and more depending on the authorizations of your phone. "This includes your online activity and your models, where you communicate, with whom you communicate, the frequency of communications and the type of communication (for example, the text, the voice, the video and the media)," he said .

With the extended metadata combined, WhatsApp can make certain assumptions about your identity, your location, your relationships and your daily activity. "These data are precious for targeted advertisers, intelligence networks and other agencies that seek to extend the level or depth of knowledge on individuals or groups of individuals," explains Manraj.

Malware

We were taught to search for viruses to ensure the safety of our devices. Unfortunately, encryption does not make WhatsApp away from the threat of these weapons used on the service.

"No system is perfectly secure, and with something as popular as WhatsApp, the safety of ending points will generally be the greatest risk," explains Linton. "This means that the most likely vulnerability will actually come from your own device, as if a potential pirate installs malicious software on your laptop."

According to Geftic, malware can be downloaded from your device when click on malware or download unreliable files.

"Attackers can also use other social engineering tactics, which are handling strategies used by cybercriminals to encourage individuals to disclose sensitive information or to grant access to limited systems," he adds .

Phishing

Apparently Endless wave of spam texts And emails are proof that phishing scams are everywhere. And as an email application, WhatsApp is the perfect hunting ground for certain criminals.

"Phishing attacks are crooks sending messages that seem to come from WhatsApp or other sources of trust to encourage users to reveal personal information," explains Geftic. "Do not underestimate how much these attacks can be well thought out, even deceiving users who know digital devices very well."

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SIM exchange attacks

Having your WhatsApp account linked to your phone number, it is practical to configure and contact the people you know. However, this also provides vulnerable service to a particular type of security violation.

"Because WhatsApp uses telephone numbers for registration and authentication, he inherits vulnerability to things like SIM exchange attacks," said. Linton. This describes what is happening when a pirate is able to access a person's phone number and therefore his WhatsApp account.

Common WhatsApp

In the era of robocals and summary text messages, scam attempts have become part of daily life. Unfortunately, messaging applications are not immune to these attacks.

"WhatsApp is a target of choice for crooks because of its popularity," said Linton. "This problem is exploding absolutely right now due to the rise of crooks and hackers assisted by AI.

Before you defraud, here is what you need to know:

Social engineering attacks

"Current scams include social engineering attacks where a hacker will try to identify a family member, ask for money or try access to your account. Other social engineering attacks can Trying to identify your bank, a government service, or even WhatsApp itself, "says Linton.

Phishing scams

Just as you do in your reception box and your SMS, you probably receive messages on WhatsApp of crooks pretending to be someone else in order to steal your information. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"While WhatsApp has taken measures to add more warning panels to suspicious messages or figures, crooks have had a much higher success rate spreading phishing links to popular events, claiming free tickets for Concerts, sporting events or even when the UFC is fighting to collect private information from unsuspected users, "explains Manraj.

For this reason, GEFTIC says to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unreliable files and urges users to check that their contacts are what they say.

Archives on the verification code

WhatsApp uses a two -step verification for the configuration of the account, which means that it sends a special code to new users by SMS to confirm their identity. However, this can be exploited.

"The attackers encourage users to share their verification code, which is then used to divert their account," explains Geftic. He adds that you should always be wary of anyone who reaches out and claiming to need this code.

False support messages

Nor is it that the configuration of the accounts: GEFTIC says that the crooks will often present themselves as a WhatsApp support staff. They will request personal information or payment details to steal money or commit an identity theft. And although this is not a unique problem at WhatsApp, it is always important to be aware of it.

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How to keep your information secure on WhatsApp

Even with all the threats, there are a few things you can do so that WhatsApp is secured. Here is what experts recommend:

Activate verification in two steps (and use other safety features)

If you are concerned about security, Geftic says that it is best to make sure that the right safety features are activated.

"Activate the verification in two steps, an additional safety layer that requires your spindle in addition to the verification code," he advises. "In addition, keep WhatsApp to make sure you have the latest safety fixes for any known weakness and make sure your phone has a solid password, such as the use of biometric safety features like the Digital imprint or facial recognition. "

Check your settings

Although the default use includes end -to -end encryption, you must always check your WhatsApp settings to make sure you don't prepare for problems.

"Disable automatic downloads and regularly check your linked devices to delete old or unknown devices," suggests Linton. "If you want to be very careful, you can also activate notifications for security code changes, which will provide an alert if someone in the cat has changed the devices or the connection session."

"It is also a good idea to share these tips with your friends and family, to make sure everyone can try to stay safe," he adds.

Beware of what you share

Do you worry about something that will come out? Like any other social tool, WhatsApp should never be used to share information that can possibly become public knowledge.

"Unfortunately, having a reasonable confidentiality expectation on a free messaging application that monetizes the information he can extract from users would be wrong," explains Manraj. "As its use becomes more omnipresent, we can expect the actors of the State and private groups to increase efforts to break any form of encryption that WhatsApp users can access the precious information shared on WhatsApp."

Conclusion

So, is WhatsApp is sure? Experts agree that end -to -end encryption of email service provides additional security compared to other applications and that WhatsApp is an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family via telephone calls, video calls and messages. But be aware that if you plan to use it to send private photos or discuss personal data points, there is always the risk that your information will be exposed.

Experts say the crooks are active on the application, forcing users to remain vigilant. To use WhatsApp as safe as possible, activate the confidentiality and security features and stay up to date on updates. And as for any service, be sure to share personal information with anyone.