In an era where instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, iMessage, Viber, and WeChat dominate personal and professional communication, digital privacy and security have never been more critical. To help users keep their accounts secure and private, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have shared 12 simple yet effective tips for safe messaging practices. Here’s a roundup of their advice:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Why it matters: Two-factor authentication is a powerful barrier against account hacks and SIM-swapping attacks. What to do: Turn on 2FA in your app’s security settings. Create a strong, secret password, and store it securely in a trusted password manager if needed.
2. Never Share One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
Why it matters: Scammers often trick users into sharing OTPs to hijack accounts. What to do: Treat OTPs as confidential — no legitimate party will ever ask you for them.
3. Avoid Scanning External QR Codes
Why it matters: Scammers use deceptive QR codes to link their devices to your account. What to do: Only scan QR codes within the messaging app itself and carefully read prompts before accepting any actions.
4. Vet New Contact Requests Carefully
Why it matters: Scammers may impersonate friends, colleagues, or loved ones to manipulate you. What to do: Verify claims from new contacts by asking specific questions or confirming their identity via other channels, like a phone call or email.
5. Use the Block Feature
Why it matters: Blocking spammers and scammers prevents them from contacting you again and protects others from similar threats. What to do: Do not hesitate to block or report suspicious users. This also works for avoiding unwanted interactions with known individuals.
6. Think Twice Before Clicking Links
Why it matters: Compromised accounts may send malicious links that aim to steal your data or extort money. What to do: Avoid opening unsolicited links, file attachments, or dubious requests, even if they come from someone you know. Confirm via another channel if you’re unsure.
7. Secure Your Device and App
Why it matters: Prevent unauthorized access to your chats in case your phone falls into the wrong hands. What to do: Enable screen locks (Face ID, PIN, or fingerprint) and activate App Lock features within your messaging app.
8. Turn Off Lock Screen Previews
Why it matters: Message previews on a locked screen can reveal sensitive information to onlookers. What to do: Disable message previews in your phone’s notification settings for added privacy.
9. Use Disappearing and One-Time Messages
Why it matters: Temporary messages reduce the chance of sensitive data being exposed if a chat is compromised. What to do: Use disappearing messages or one-time view options for sensitive info like passwords or addresses. Delete old messages manually if needed.
10. Avoid Sending Nudes
Why it matters: Even private, temporary messages can be screenshotted or shared maliciously. What to do: Refrain from sharing anything that could hurt or embarrass you if leaked, including explicit photos or sensitive personal details.
11. Exercise Caution in Group Chats
Why it matters: Not all members of a group chat may be trustworthy, even if you know the person who added them. What to avoid: Avoid sharing private information, such as your phone number or address, in large group chats.
12. Limit Your Profile Visibility
Why it matters: Publicly visible details like profile pictures and last seen status can be exploited by strangers or scammers. What to do: Adjust privacy settings to restrict who can view your data, opting for “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
By following these Kaspersky-recommended tips, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams, hacking attempts, or privacy breaches while using messaging apps. As online threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and proactive remains the best defense.
In addition to these tips, WhatsApp users should be aware of how to protect their privacy further. Have you ever noticed that a WhatsApp message gets marked as "Read" even though you haven't opened it? This could mean someone else has access to your account. Fortunately, WhatsApp has a feature that lets you see which devices are linked to your account. This way, you can check if there is any unauthorized access and take action if needed.
How to check linked devices on WhatsApp?
To see which devices are linked to your WhatsApp account, follow these steps:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots at the top right corner.
- Go to Linked Devices.
- You'll see a list of devices connected to your account. Check this list regularly to ensure only authorized devices have access.
How to remove unauthorized devices from WhatsApp?
If you find an unfamiliar device linked to your account, follow these steps to remove it:
- Go to Linked Devices in WhatsApp settings.
- Find the device you want to remove.
- Tap Log out to remove the device's access. This will prevent the unauthorized device from accessing your WhatsApp messages.
WhatsApp also has a group messaging feature that includes a Context Card, which shows important information about the group, helping users make informed decisions about their participation. If someone adds you to a group you don't know, WhatsApp's Context Card shows who added you, when the group was created, and who created the group. This helps you understand the group's background and decide what to do next.
If you are added to a group or encounter suspicious activity, review WhatsApp's safety tools to protect yourself. Decide whether to stay in the group or leave, and use available features to control your experience and stay secure. The Context Card feature gives you more control over your WhatsApp experience, ensuring you can make informed decisions about your interactions.
By implementing these practices and utilizing WhatsApp's features, users can better safeguard their privacy and enjoy a safer messaging experience.
