They say WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted and nobody can hack into it. It is further said that even WhatsApp itself has no records of your data or personal information. The question is, is it even true? Some people agree with it while others don’t. Yes, a lot of people claim that WhatsApp keeps a record of the user data.
In this article today, we’re going to talk about how WhatsApp collects your data and how you can keep it secure while using the app. Of course, it’s your data and you should be its owner; thus, knowing all these details is imperative.
Special media platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, are owned by Facebook, so whatever you share on WhatsApp or Instagram is indeed shared with Facebook. Hence, there’s no denying that WhatsApp keeps track of your data and it isn’t entirely safe.
How Does WhatsApp Collect Your Data?
When you send a message using WhatsApp, all the information, including the person you’ve contacted, the content of the message, the keys used to type, and the time you sent the message, is recorded. Thus, it won’t be wrong to say that it isn’t entirely encrypted.
WhatsApp introduced its new features like end-to-end encryption policy only to keep your data safe from third-party attacks. Yes, it’s quite difficult for a third-party application to hack into your WhatsApp but it doesn’t mean that WhatsApp itself has no records of your data because it does.
Let’s look at it with an example. Using the internet is like having a lunch meal. You can eat as much as you want but once you’re done eating, you’ll have no control over digestion. It’s the same with sharing messages, audio chats, images, and videos. Once they’re out there on the internet, you have little to no control over them.
Thus, whenever using a social media platform, be it WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook, make sure not to share a lot of personal information. It is super important to keep yourself secure. You must be aware of your digital surroundings, how you communicate, what information you give out there, and how much time you’re giving it.
How to Protect Yourself from Data Leaks?
Although WhatsApp is relatively safe compared to other social media platforms, it’s still important to take precautionary measures for your online safety. Here’s everything that you need to do:
Use a VPN
The first thing that you need to do is download a VPN for your device. VPN, an abbreviation for virtual private network, can help keep your data secure. It works by removing your IP address and hiding your location, which makes it nearly impossible for social media apps to keep a track of your data.
Not to mention, it keeps you secure from hackers as well. When hackers are unable to access your IP address, they’re unable to hack into your device. Also, the best part of the story is that there are plenty of VPNs available out there, so getting your hands on the best one shouldn’t be a problem.
Enabling Firewall
Many times, it’s the traffic coming from your network that corrupts your data. Enabling the firewall is the solution. It will keep your WhatsApp data and other files secure by managing the traffic coming from your network. It will filter the traffic and block unwanted and unsolicited things.
In this way, your device remains secure from external attacks. It doesn’t only work for WhatsApp but your entire device. Simply check your phone’s settings and enable the firewall with a click or two, and that’s about it.
Download Antivirus Software
Having an antivirus on your device is a must. Whether it’s your smartphone or personal computer, you must download and install an antivirus. It will keep your smartphone’s data safe and in case of suspicious activity, it will alert you right away so that you can take precautionary measures beforehand.
As you know, phishing scams are quite common these days and WhatsApp is a primary tool that scammers use. They forward infected links on WhatsApp and hack into your device. Having an antivirus can protect you from such scams. The antivirus will alert you immediately if you receive a suspicious link, and you’ll remain safe.
In Conclusion…
WhatsApp is the best tool when it comes to communication with your friends and family. It also allows you to share images and videos with your loved ones, making communication easier and fun. However, it could be unsafe as well, so you must take precautionary measures alongside.
