New Delhi: Despite end-to-end encryption on WhatsApp which ensures conversations are private, cybercriminals try to play with the security and privacy of people. For millions of WhatsApp users, it is important to know the key safety and security features that the messaging platform offers.
- Lost, Stolen phones:
If your phone has been lost or stolen, you can do two things. First, you can get a new SIM card with registered number activated to re-install WhatsApp on your phone. Since WhatsApp works only on one phone number, the account on the stolen phone will be automatically reset. The second option is to email WhatsApp. Mail to WhatsApp Support with “Lost/Stolen: Please deactivate my account” in the body of an email with your full phone number in international format.
- Two-step verification:
This adds another layer of security for your account. This also helps you get alerted if anyone is trying to hack into your account. To activate two-step verification for your WhatsApp account, here’s what you can do. Go to in-app Settings, tap on Account and then go to Two-step verification. Here, click on the “enable” button to activate the feature. Make sure you provide your correct email address which can be later used to receive the six-digit PIN code.
- How To Report An account:
If you are receiving spam messages from an individual or group, here is what you can do. Open the chat, tap on the name of sender (it could be an individual or a group). Once you open their profile, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and the tap on “Report Contact” or “Report group.” Similarly, you can block the number to stop receiving messages altogether. You can also exit a group that continuously sends spam.
- Group Settings:
WhatsApp recently launched a feature that helps users stop others from adding them to WhatsApp groups without their permission. WhatsApp now lets you choose between “everyone”, “my contacts”, and “nobody” to add you in a group. While it’s set for “everyone” by default, you can modify the settings by tapping on three-dot menu > Settings > Account > Privacy > Groups. The feature is available for iOS and KaiOS-based smart feature phones as well.
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Ms Kalinga