WhatsApp Urges Users to Follow Six Steps for Enhanced Security

WhatsApp has issued a security advisory urging users to implement six essential steps to safeguard their accounts and enhance privacy. This guidance is applicable to both iOS and Android users and is part of the recommendations available on the WhatsApp Help Center.

To bolster account security, users are advised to activate two-step verification if they have not already done so. If a user receives an unsolicited email requesting a reset of their two-step verification PIN or registration code, it is critical that they do not click on any links in that email. According to WhatsApp, such communication may indicate that “someone could be attempting to access your phone number on WhatsApp.”

In the event that users see a message stating, “Your phone number was registered with WhatsApp on a new device,” they are instructed to follow the on-screen prompts to recover their account. Additional details on this process can be found on their account recovery page.

Recognizing and Avoiding Unofficial Apps

WhatsApp has also warned users about the risks associated with unofficial versions of the application. If users receive a Play Protect Warning from Google, it suggests they may be using a modified version of WhatsApp that could jeopardize their privacy and security. The messaging platform makes it clear that these unofficial apps violate their Terms of Service and can be disabled or uninstalled by Google due to security concerns.

To ensure the integrity of their messaging experience, Android users are encouraged to uninstall any unofficial versions of the app. They should then visit the official WhatsApp website to download either the standard application or the WhatsApp Business app and re-register their phone number. WhatsApp cautions that this process may not guarantee the transfer of chat history, as support for unofficial applications is not available.

In light of these security measures, users are reminded of the vital importance of maintaining their account’s integrity. By following these steps, WhatsApp aims to empower users in protecting their personal information and ensuring a secure messaging environment.