It can be quite easy for your partner, family members, friends, or colleagues to secretly access your WhatsApp chats on their own devices without you realizing it. But how?
The “linked devices” feature on Meta’s WhatsApp allows you to send and receive messages on your desktop, laptop, or iPad using a web app, but you can also link to another phone as long as it’s not already running the app.
For anyone who has access to your unlocked phone or passcode, this may be quickly done without your knowledge. However, it is also very easy to detect and put an end to.
Step one
Open WhatsApp and go to “Settings.” Then, click on “Linked Devices.”
Step two
Once you open “Linked Devices,” make sure you recognize anything listed.
If you haven’t linked any of your own devices and see links there, or if there are links you don’t recognize, then log out right away.
This applies to most messengers that link in this way rather than through a trusted device architecture.
Other ways to protect WhatsApp chats
Besides this, the instant messaging app’s locked chats feature lets you set a different passcode to protect your most sensitive messages in a separate folder.
WhatsApp also advises users to “check your linked devices regularly… to review all devices linked to your account.”
A linked device will be dropped if it doesn’t do anything on your account for a month or so, but if you don’t keep checking, it’s easy enough to relink.
Additionally, enabling two-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your account. This feature requires a PIN when resetting and verifying your account. To enable this, go to “Settings,” then “Account,” and select “Two-step verification.”
Regularly updating your app ensures you have the latest security features and fixes. Make it a habit to periodically review your privacy settings to control who can see your personal information and status updates.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can protect your WhatsApp chats from unauthorized access and maintain your privacy.
