Turn on the TV, and you're almost certain to come across some kind of tech scam perpetrated through Brazil's most beloved messaging app! Yes, although it's very common to hear about various scams and tricks involving WhatsApp, it's still a... very secure application, according to leading cybersecurity experts. It is true that the proper use and based on best practices They help users protect themselves. The creativity of the "criminals" (malicious individuals) is immense. Therefore, we have separated... Top tips for protecting your WhatsAppWithout alarmism or panic: Protect your account in the app!
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Update your app.
The basic things that can (and should) be done to protect your account are Always update WhatsApp. (and immediately) as soon as a new update is available! Facebook Meta, which owns WhatsApp, strives to... Identify potential system errors and vulnerabilities in order to correct them. and strengthen them. Far from serving only new features or the emoji package, the Updates are essential..
Program your smartphone to perform automatic updatesWhenever available. One less thing to worry about.
Enable two-step verification.
Many people dislike this feature, considering it bureaucratic and slow. But two-step verification is a... An efficient way to protect your data.This feature allows you to... Create an additional password so that the app works on other devices.This is another security measure making life more difficult for hackers and fraudsters.
Do not share codes.
The vast majority of scams involve the process of cloningTherefore, malicious people need to have Access to confirmation codes and your verification PIN. in two steps (when enabled). Such codes should not be NEVER shared!
Here we have the extreme creativity of the scammers: they impersonate bank tellers or specialized technicians requesting the code/PIN sent to you. With the code in hand, they gain access to your conversations, contacts, personal data, WhatsApp Pay payment information, among other things.
Users with limited digital literacy and older peopleIn general, these are the main victims of these blows.
Show profile pictures only to your contacts.
Did you know that it's possible to let that Only your friends can see your profile picture. From WhatsApp? Yes, in the app's "Privacy" menu, it's possible to enable this function. But why use it? Having unrestricted access to your profile picture makes it easier for malicious individuals to copy and misuse it.
Recent scams show fraudsters contacting friends and family on WhatsApp profiles with the same profile picture as the victim – which it ends up confusing the contact and in many cases legitimizing improper transactions. Beware!
Set passwords for your smartphone.
Smartphones today practically carry our lives with us. Inside them, in addition to the messaging app, are digital wallets, banking apps, personal photos, contact lists, data, and countless other pieces of information.
It is therefore inevitable that a numeric or graphic password will be added. to access the device! This is another crucial step to prevent unauthorized physical access. Some even go further and define access passwords to enter the applications – also highly recommended.
Avoid using shared connections.
Public and shared Wi-Fi connections can be dangerous.Despite the convenience, tools already exist that allow malicious individuals to access the applications of unsuspecting users who are accessing the same connection.
Caution is necessary! If possible, Avoid using shared connections.If unavoidable, give preference to connections that require registration For your use only. Avoid sharing your internet connection with unknown people as much as possible!
Use official apps.
Finally, and no less importantly, this tip is primarily for companies and businesses in general: Use the business version of the application.: WhatsApp Business!
In addition to features ideal for businesses, such as quick messaging, the availability of a business profile, and access to metrics, The commercial version provides even more security. for users configured as businesses.
Imagine having your account hacked, blocked, or corrupted by criminals? Use the correct version of the application. (and free), when a business, It's essential!
The version for businesses with a higher volume of messages., the WhatsApp Business API (offered by Brazilian MatrixAlthough paid for, it still brings... more benefits (such as the possibility of integrating chatbots and the verification sealand has a direct communication bridge with WhatsApp – crucial in any case of a security breach or corrupted account.
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Above all, follow the platform guidelines and Stay alert to news and scams. Reports in the mainstream media help maintain a security protocol on WhatsAppProtect yourself!
