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 doesn’t just apply to total strangers. Some people use monitoring apps to keep an eye on a partner. No matter the reason, this still invades your privacy and risks your safety.
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 could lead to a permanent ban on the app.
But don’t panic—you can take steps to protect yourself and keep your messages secure. In this piece, we’ll go over 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 risky alternatives to WhatsApp, there are also some completely reliable ones, too. Here are three recommended options.
VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a technology that allows you to make a phone call from a virtual number rather than using a traditional phone line, much in the same way WhatsApp does.
This service lets you use your PC or another device to make and receive business calls over the Internet, alongside several 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 all over 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 app Telegram.
It’s almost as popular as WhatsApp and has a lot 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.
RISK OF ALTERNATIVES WHATSAPP APPS
In some instances, you might be the one who knowingly installs the apps onto your own device. The Google Play Protect feature will alert you to the app’s possible illegality in that situation.
This is because there are numerous potential drawbacks to downloading these apps. Here are just a few cases:
1. Lesser 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 mild to say they merely lack the necessary resources to ensure the security of your data. Several of these apps were developed to do the exact opposite. Using these apps is equivalent to gambling with your digital safety.
2. They are riddled with spyware
In a recent report, cybersecurity firm ESET claimed that GBWhatsApp, a WhatsApp clone, spies on its users.
Since the app is banned from the Play Store and the 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 whole phone at risk.
This fact is likely lost on unsuspecting users who were only interested in the few improved functionalities.
3. WhatsApp banning
WhatsApp wasn’t kidding when it said it would ban users who used WhatsApp cloning apps. Several users have already had their accounts shut down, forcing them to sign up for new ones.
If you use WhatsApp clones, even if it is unintentional, you risk being banned and having your phone number blacklisted.
Note that while these are risks associated with using WhatsApp cloning apps, there is also the possibility of someone else cloning 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 getting this done. 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’ll need to take the precaution of disabling it.
1. Avoid Clone Apps
You should 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’s icon.
The logos for other WhatsApp clones, such as WhatsApp Plus and GBWhatsApp, are similar but easily distinguishable.
You may also notice that some of these other clone apps charge membership fees or bombard you with advertisements.
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. Turn on two-step verification
If you haven’t already, you should turn on WhatsApp’s two-step verification feature for added security.
This is a simple process. Simply go to your WhatsApp settings, select two-step verification, enter your password, and you’re done.
Use a password you won’t forget, as WhatsApp will prompt you for it frequently, and you’ll need it when syncing 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 stop that from happening, use a fingerprint lock or password on both your phone and WhatsApp. This counts as an extra layer of security.
Here are steps to add a WhatsApp fingerprint lock on Android
Step 1: Launch WhatsApp on your Android.
Step 2: Tap the three-dot menu (ellipsis) at the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select Settings
Step 4: Click “Privacy” (or “Account,” then “Privacy”).
Step 5: Tap the fingerprint lock and swipe right.
Step 6: Confirm your fingerprint by touching the sensor.
Step 7: Choose how quickly the app should lock after closing it. Immediately, after 1 minute, and after 30 seconds are the available options.
Steps to add a WhatsApp fingerprint lock on iPhone
Step 1: Launch 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 Screen Lock page, select Require Face ID or Require Touch ID.
Step 5: Choose how quickly the screen locks.
4. Check your WhatsApp web or Linked Devices
If you notice unusual WhatsApp activity or suspect someone has access to your WhatsApp conversations, go to your linked 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 or linked device sessions so that the person can no longer track your WhatsApp conversations.
5. Send a report to WhatsApp
WhatsApp has repeatedly stated its commitment to keeping 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 get in touch with WhatsApp support to report the issue and ask for an investigation.
They may help you recover your account and stop the clone from being used.
BOTTOM LINE
Your WhatsApp account’s first line of defense against unwanted access is for you to make sure you’re using the right app. That way, you won’t have to trust complete strangers with the keys to your conversions as often.
Cloners and hackers pose a threat to your data, but you can take precautions by activating two-factor authentication, requiring a fingerprint unlock before using it, and routinely checking for linked devices.
If despite these measures, you continue to suspect foul play, you should notify WhatsApp immediately so that they can begin investigating the issue.