If you use WhatsApp, you should change some settings immediately. These days, scammers are exploiting WhatsApp users' carelessness to commit fraud. Furthermore, they are also hacking WhatsApp accounts. Let's explore the 10 settings you should change today.
Take these steps before your WhatsApp gets hacked
WhatsApp is the most popular app in India. Millions of users use it every day. While it's useful, a small mistake can cause problems for users. Sometimes your data is being leaked without you even realizing it. Sometimes, your profile photo, last seen, online status, or chats reveal information you probably don't want to share.
The good thing is that there are many such settings in WhatsApp, by changing which you can strengthen your privacy more than before. If you have not changed these settings yet, then definitely check them once.
1. First of all, hide Last Seen and Online Status
If everyone can see when you've been online, your privacy is compromised. You can follow the steps below.
Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online
Here you can choose who can see your last seen and online status.
2. Do not show your profile photo to everyone
Many people leave their profile photos visible to everyone. Even if you don't have an unknown number saved, they can still see your photo. These days, scammers are misusing photos for blackmailing purposes. Scammers also use deepfakes to create pornographic videos from photos to blackmail users. Use these steps to change this.
Settings > Privacy > Profile Photo Select My Contacts here .
3. It's better to keep the About section private
Your About page is also visible to everyone. If it includes your office, city, or any personal information, limit it to contacts only.
4. Want to turn off read receipts?
If you don't want anyone to know whether you've read their chat, go to Settings > Privacy > and turn off Read Receipts. Keep in mind that doing so will prevent you from seeing other people's blue ticks. This means you won't know if someone has read your message.
5. Prevent strangers from adding you to the group
These days, scammers also reach people through WhatsApp groups. So, go to Settings and select Privacy. You'll see the Groups option. Simply select "My Contacts" here. This will prevent strangers from adding you directly to groups.
6. Use Chat Lock
If other people in the household also use the phone, Chat Lock is a useful tool. Open the chat you want to lock and go to the contact's name. You'll see the Chat Lock option in the list. Turn it on. Now, that chat won't open without fingerprint or face unlock.
7. Make sure to enable multi -step verification
This is one of the most important security features. Even if someone gains access to your SIM, it won't be easy to access your WhatsApp account. To do this, select your account in Settings and turn on two-step verification. Create a 6-digit PIN here.
8. Keep checking linked devices
Many people forget to log out after using WhatsApp Web. This could allow someone else to gain access to your WhatsApp account. Therefore, periodically check the list of linked devices. If you see any unknown devices, log out immediately.
9. Always turn off live location
If you've shared your live location with someone, be sure to turn it off in time. Many people forget that their location is still being shared. Go to the chat where you sent your location and select Stop Sharing .
10. Complete the Privacy Checkup
WhatsApp has now added a feature called Privacy Checkup. To do this, go to Settings and select Privacy. Make the changes here as directed by WhatsApp.
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gadget-tips
