WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in South Africa. However, it’s important to take steps to protect your privacy and security while using the app. In this guide, we’ll go through some simple steps that WhatsApp users in South Africa can take to increase their data privacy and protect themselves from cyber threats.
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Enable two-step verification: Two-step verification is a feature that adds an extra layer of security to your account. To enable it, go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Two-step verification”. Here, you can set up a six-digit PIN that will be required every time you set up WhatsApp on a new device.
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Be cautious of malicious links: Spam links and messages are a common way for cyber criminals to spread malware and steal personal information. Always be cautious when clicking on links, and consider using a link verification website like ScanURL, PhishTank, or Norton Safe Web to verify the authenticity of a link.
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Turn on security notifications: WhatsApp’s security notifications will alert you if someone tries to access your account from a different device. To enable this feature, go to “Settings” > “Account” > “Security” > “Security notifications”.
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Log out of old or lost devices: If you lose your phone or upgrade to a new one, make sure to log out of WhatsApp on your old device. This will prevent anyone from accessing your account from the old device. To do this, go to “Settings” > “Devices” > “Log out of all devices”.
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Use a different profile picture: Your profile picture on WhatsApp can reveal a lot of personal information. Consider using a different picture on WhatsApp than you use on other social media platforms. You can also hide your profile picture from unsaved contacts by going to “Settings” > “Account” > “Privacy” > “Profile photo” > “My contacts”.
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Hide WhatsApp media from your gallery: If you don’t want WhatsApp media to show up in your phone’s gallery, you can turn off this feature. Go to “Settings” > “Chats” > “Media visibility” and toggle off the feature.
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Log out of WhatsApp web: If you use WhatsApp web on a public or shared computer, make sure to log out of your account when you’re done. To do this, go to “WhatsApp web” > “Log out from all devices”.
By following these simple steps, WhatsApp users in South Africa can protect their privacy and security while using the app. Remember to always be cautious when clicking on links or sharing personal information online.
Very informative post, most of us just use WhatsApp not thinking of the risks attached to use of WhatsApp, especially the fact that with poor security settings we ignore, the app can be easily intercepted.
Thanks for keeping the nation on alert!.
Thank you for your comment Karel, we certainly aim to keep doing so for many years to come.