Opening a WhatsApp account on another device is possible when they have your number for a time. You need to enter your number into their phone and then access the OTP through your number to start using your WhatsApp account on their device.
This is why WhatsApp has added Two-Step verification to let you control your accounts. Nobody can access your WhatsApp account using devices without the PIN you created when setting two-step verification.
When you enable Two-step verification, you’ll have to enter the PIN every time you sign up with your WhatsApp account using a different device. Turning this feature on will block other users from registering with WhatsApp without knowing.
Set Up Screen Lock for WhatsApp
If you’re a regular user of not locking your phone on your desk at work or in a public place, other people could easily access your WhatsApp without knowing. Screen locks for WhatsApp will stop this by asking you to enter the password for the screen lock or PIN.
You can activate the lock on the screen and unlock WhatsApp with your Fingerprint or Face ID. To activate the screen lock on WhatsApp by using Touch ID or Touch ID on your iPhone or Android,
You can also select from WhatsApp options to shut down the app after closing or reducing the application. Selecting “Immediately” will ask for Face ID or Touch ID confirmation each time you launch WhatsApp. This is the best way to safeguard your WhatsApp chats from being viewed by others. If you’re not comfortable using the WhatsApp Screen Lock method enough, you could choose to use any of the alternative App locks for Android and App Locking for iPhone.
Enable Two-Step Verification
The next thing to do is allow Two-Step Verification in the WhatsApp account. This is among the most effective ways to protect your account. This feature is integrated into many modern mobile phones and is compatible with the most popular social media platforms. For it to work, you need the right smartphone with fingerprint readers or another security device, such as an iris scanner, or you could make the password. It’s an additional security layer. Once you’ve enabled this feature, you’ll never be concerned about your privacy again.
Add Your Email Address to Secure Your Account
The third step to secure the security of your WhatsApp account is to include your email address to ensure security. If your account gets lost, you’ll be able to get your messages back and stop anyone trying to hijack them from getting access. After doing this, you’ll know that no one else will have an access point to the account. This is among the most effective ways to guard your privacy. Once you’ve got it, you’ll know that no one will be able to access it.
Verify End-to-End Encryption
WhatsApp chats are always encrypted. This means that every message that you send to your friend will be only visible to the person you are messaging and to your friend. Your message is encrypted and converted into the form of a secret code once it is transmitted via the internet. It will be decrypted when it reaches the other person’s phone, and only they can see the messages.
This is how WhatsApp messages and calls function. Therefore, there’s no need to worry about being watched or monitored on WhatsApp. However, suppose you are uncertain regarding a person. In that case, you can manually verify your End-to Encryption security code to ensure you know that you’re communicating with your friend and that nobody else is viewing the messages.
To confirm the validity of someone’s WhatsApp code, tap the chat of the contact in WhatsApp using your mobile-first. After that, tap the name of the contact on the right. In the open window, then tap ” Encryption.”
You will be able to see your security number with the QR code. To verify it:
- Use your friend’s security code and go to the same screen as your chat on the other’s WhatsApp.
- Click on ” Scan Code” on your phone.
- Take a picture of the QR Code onto their phone.
You’ll notice a checkmark appearing on the display if the security number has been verified. If the codes are different, it is a sign that your messages were not delivered to your friend’s phone but someone other’s. It could happen when someone changes the contact list on the phone, and you can send an unintentional message to the wrong recipient.
Disable Cloud Backup
However, it is recommended to disable the backup of WhatsApp chats stored in the cloud. To do this, open”Settings,” click on the “Settings” tab, “Chats,” then click “Backup” and disable “Auto backup.”
In all cases, it is best to be a good steward of your information. In particular, don’t respond to messages from an unknown number; in most cases, the first step to be taken is phishing scams. Some hackers may even steal contacts’ identities, so be cautious if a friend or family member encourages you to click suspicious links, transfer money, or send details that may be too personal.
A scam similar to this has been around since the beginning of April. It’s in the form of an SMS verification message that contains a six-digit code. The contact requests users to send the message that was given initially “by mistake.” Returning this code could result in the termination of the life of the use of your WhatsApp accounts…
Disable Auto Group Addition
As a default feature, WhatsApp makes it very simple to add anyone to groups. If you offer your contact numbers to salespeople, you could end up in various promotional groups.
It is now possible to stop this issue by addressing the source of the problem. WhatsApp offers a new option that prevents any user from immediately joining the group.
- To enable this feature on your iPhone or Android device, visit settings > account > privacy > groups, followed by tapping “Nobody.”
- If you’ve joined a group and want to leave, start the chat and select the group’s name on the upper. The following screen will appear scroll to the bottom and tap “Exit Group.”
- Click “Exit Group” again to confirm
Do Not Click Suspicious Links
The information you find on WhatsApp is not necessarily accurate and can be interpreted as potentially dangerous information. Hackers may try to steal the contents of your WhatsApp or other information via malicious hyperlinks. If you receive any links forwarded to you on an account or directly from an unknown number, don’t open them unless you’re confident in their authenticity.
These phishing links typically appear with a visible company logo. However, when you click on them, they’ll take you on a tour of your preferred website, where they’ll try to get your login credentials through trickery. Therefore, you should never attempt to open any suspicious links unless you are sure about their authenticity.
Do Not Share Your OTP with Anyone
OTPs, also called One Time Passcodes, are the most common method to verify your phone number across the internet. This is when you create or log in to WhatsApp and other messaging apps. If someone attempts to “hack” your WhatsApp account, you can use your phone number and then get you to give them your OTP.
All companies keep saying a common thing, but people ignore the message: “DO Not Share OTPs.” Many are sucked into prey calls in which they request the OTP code found on the victim’s cell phone. You’re risking your WhatsApp account if you ever divulge your OTP to anyone.
In addition, if a “hacker” signs in to your WhatsApp account with the OTP you provided, your phone is blocked immediately. It’s not a good idea to think that the person who gained access to your WhatsApp account has to add two-step verification codes.
It is nearly impossible to retrieve your WhatsApp account. If someone else controls your WhatsApp account and activates the 2SV, then you must take the initiative and secure the security of your WhatsApp account. Remember, no legitimate company would ask for a password you have received via your mobile.
Wrapping up
Security is a significant concern for a lot of people. We do not want our WhatsApp chat to be viewed by anyone else. We do not want anyone to know who we are on WhatsApp. In this regard, we’ve attempted to assist you in securing the security of your WhatsApp account in as short a time as possible. If you do these steps and follow the steps above, you won’t have anything to be concerned about. Check out other articles to find additional WhatsApp valuable tips and guides.
