The most common WhatsApp risks they make it easy for the user to be scammed or fall for another cybercrime. Therefore, the instant messaging application constantly releases patches or updates to protect and give security to each person. Here we explain what are the recurring errors that you should avoid.
During the pandemic, vulnerability to thefts and cyber attacks they have been notorious, since the only way to communicate with relatives has been virtual. With more than 2,000 million users globally, WhatsApp is attractive to all kinds of cyber threats, according to The Sun portal, which shared the following recommendations to avoid hacking, scams and other cyber attacks.
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WhatsApp: tips to avoid crimes
In recent years, this instant messaging app continues to be widely used to spread spam, scams, and malicious links that would harm your phone with viruses or malware. By following this guide you can strengthen the protection of your data and life within WhatsApp.
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It is also recommended to protect your WhatsApp conversations by placing a password on it. Photo: Phone House
Do not respond to strangers
An essential safety principle is not to talk to strangers on the phone. It is always advisable to have the people who belong to our circle of contacts scheduled. Although it is also possible to interact with people who identify themselves properly from the beginning of the communication.
Unfortunately, it is very common for criminals to impersonate a family member or friend and very quickly request money to solve a false problem.
Therefore, it is best not to answer calls from unknown numbers. If you do respond, check that it is the person who is the subject of the conversation. Try calling your loved one’s number and see if they are really in trouble.
If the calls persist, consider blocking the numbers. Android and iOS have the option to block unknown numbers from their mobile settings. You could use a third-party application to support you with spam calls, but for the protection of your data it is better to do it from the device’s own functionalities.
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When you receive strange messages from strangers on WhatsApp, do not open or reply to them as the double blue check would also be shown. Photo: Smartlife
Do not open strange links
Avoid opening unknown links. Be suspicious of those that are “forwarded many times”, that come from strange pages and that contain letters and numbers in code format.
Even if your contacts send them to you, not opening them is the most recommended. For example, you may receive an offer to purchase a product at a low price. Before opening it, analyze if it seems real and ask the person who sent it to you what it is.
Even the link may have a virus, which is automatically forwarded and opened from your cell phone or computer that has WhatsApp. If you realize it in time, you can prevent the link from even being shared with your contacts and other social networks.
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You should avoid opening links with non-standard characters. WhatsApp has also implemented security measures in this regard. Photo: Xataka
Keep WhatsApp updated
As basic as it may seem, there are users who do not. Remember to always update WhatsApp, as usually each patch contains stronger security protection. You could also leave it on automatic so that it updates constantly.
Not updating an application can be a serious mistake, especially if it is a messaging application. WhatsApp regularly releases patches and security updates, these activities are responses to hackers who find ways to take advantage of their bugs.
If WhatsApp is airtight and encrypts messages, cybercriminals or hackers are looking for bugs on a daily basis to spy and steal.
To protect your account and device, you need to keep WhatsApp up to date. Photo: Vix