Recently, WhatsApp sent a security alert to its mobile users. Strangers may be able to read your private messages and put you at risk online.
This does not only apply to total foreigners. Some people use tracking apps to keep an eye on a partner. Regardless of the reason, it still invades your privacy and compromises your security.
WhatsApp also warned against using GbWhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus and other fake versions of the app.
Even if you ignore the risk of exposing your personal information and location, downloading a fake version of WhatsApp violates the company’s terms of service and can lead to a permanent ban on the app.
But don’t panic—you can take steps to protect yourself and keep your messages safe. In this part, we will look at the potential threats to your WhatsApp privacy and the measures you can take to avoid them.
RELIABLE ALTERNATIVES TO WHATSAPP
While there are some very dangerous alternatives to WhatsApp, there are also some completely reliable ones. Here are three recommended options.
over IP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make a call from a virtual number instead of using a traditional phone line, in the same way that WhatsApp does.
This service allows you to use your computer or other device to make and receive business calls over the Internet, among other features.
SIGNAL
This is a free, open source messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption to keep your messages private.
It is highly recommended by privacy experts and millions of people around the world use it.
TELEGRAM
When it comes to secure messaging and a wide variety of other useful features, such as the ability to host large group chats and share files, many people turn to the widely used Telegram app.
It is almost as popular as WhatsApp and has many of the same features.
It’s free to use, but a premium version is available for a fee if you want more bells and whistles.
RISKS OF ALTERNATIVE WHATSAPP APPLICATIONS
In some cases, you may be the one who knowingly installs the apps on your device. The Google Play Protect feature will notify you of the possible illegality of the application in that situation.
This is because there are many possible obstacles to downloading these apps. Here are just a few cases:
1. Fewer security measures
WhatsApp uses multiple layers of security to prevent unauthorized parties from accessing your conversations and other information. This is why your conversations are said to be end-to-end encrypted.
These clones on the other hand do not have this provision. In fact, it would be putting it mildly to say that they simply lack the necessary resources to ensure the security of your data. Some of these apps have been developed to do the opposite. Using these apps is tantamount to gambling with your digital security.
2. They are filled with spyware
In a recent report, cyber security firm ESET claimed that GBWhatsApp, a WhatsApp clone, spies on its users.
Since the app is banned from the Play Store and App Store, it can only be downloaded from third-party sources. Unfortunately, the app is full of malware and viruses that put your WhatsApp data and the security of your entire phone at risk.
This fact is likely to be lost on unsuspecting users who were only interested in some enhanced functionality.
3. Banning WhatsApp
WhatsApp wasn’t kidding when it said it would ban users using WhatsApp clone apps. Some users have already had their accounts closed, forcing them to register for new ones.
If you use WhatsApp clones, even if unintentionally, you risk getting banned and your phone number blacklisted.
Note that while these are risks associated with using WhatsApp clone apps, there is also a chance that someone else can clone your account using apps like the clone app.
This puts you at risk of strangers or relatives monitoring your WhatsApp activity, seeing your chats, images and videos and accessing your location.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR WHATSAPP ACCOUNT
There are several layers to doing this. One is to avoid cloning apps, while the other is to prevent others from cloning WhatsApp. If your WhatsApp account has already been cloned, you will need to take precautions to deactivate it.
1. Avoid clone apps
You need to make sure that the version of WhatsApp you have installed is the official one. You can tell if this is the case by looking at the app icon.
The logos for other WhatsApp clones, such as WhatsApp Plus and GBWhatsApp, are similar but easily recognizable.
You may also notice that some of these other cloning apps charge membership fees or bombard you with ads.
WhatsApp will never do that! Avoid this by downloading WhatsApp from the Google Play Store (for Android users) or the App Store (for iOS users).
2. Enable two-step verification
If you haven’t already, you should enable WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature for added security.
This is a simple process. Just go to your WhatsApp settings, select two-step verification, enter your password and you’re done.
Use a password that you won’t forget, as WhatsApp will ask you for it often, and you’ll need it when you sync the app to a new device.
3. Protect your WhatsApp account with a password or fingerprint lock
Since your WhatsApp account is accessible to anyone with your phone, its QR code can be scanned.
To prevent this from happening, use a fingerprint lock or password on both your phone and WhatsApp. This counts as an extra layer of security.
Here are the steps to add a WhatsApp fingerprint lock on Android
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your Android.
Step 2: Tap the three-dot (ellipse) menu in the upper right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select Settings
Step 4: Click Privacy (or Account, then Privacy).
Step 5: Touch the fingerprint lock and swipe right.
Step 6: Confirm your fingerprint by touching the sensor.
Step 7: Choose how soon the app should be locked after closing it. Immediately, after 1 minute and after 30 seconds are available options.
Steps to add a WhatsApp fingerprint lock on iPhone
Step 1: Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.
Step 2: Click Settings at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: Select Account and click Screen Lock at the bottom.
Step 4: On the lock screen page, select Require Face ID or Require Touch ID.
Step 5: Choose how fast the screen locks.
4. Check your WhatsApp web or connected devices
If you notice unusual activity on WhatsApp or suspect that someone is accessing your WhatsApp conversations, go to your connected devices and remove any unwanted third-party devices.
Verify that you are not logged into WhatsApp on another device. If you are, log out of all WhatsApp Web sessions or connected devices so that the person can no longer track your WhatsApp conversations.
5. Send a report on WhatsApp
WhatsApp has consistently stated its commitment to keep its users safe at all times. It has backed this up with its strong customer support.
Therefore, if you suspect that your WhatsApp account has been cloned, the next course of action after trying the above tips is to contact WhatsApp support to report the issue and request an investigation.
They can help you recover your account and stop using the clone.
BOTTOM LINE
The first line of defense of your WhatsApp account against unwanted access is to make sure you’re using the right app. That way, you won’t have to trust strangers with your conversion keys as often.
Cloners and hackers pose a threat to your data, but you can take precautions by enabling two-factor authentication, requiring fingerprint unlock before use, and routinely checking for connected devices.
If despite these measures, you still suspect foul play, you should notify WhatsApp immediately so they can start investigating the matter.
