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WhatsApp is known as one of the most secure messaging services, but is it impenetrable? The suspicion that you are being spied on may be correct.
This article will show you how to check if someone has unauthorized access to your WhatsApp account and what steps you can take to secure your private conversations.
How do you know if someone is secretly reading your WhatsApp messages?
Since 2016, WhatsApp has protected your messages with end-to-end encryption, meaning they can only be read by the sender and the recipient. But be careful: using Whatsapp in the browser still carries risks.
Unauthorized access via Whatsapp Web makes it possible to read your messages even if the smartphone and computer are not on the same network. Therefore, regularly check the devices linked to your account:
- Open the app on your smartphone.
- In the chat overview, tap the three dots at the top right (Android) or bottom right of ‘Settings’ (iOS).
- Select the “Paired Devices” option and check if it has any third-party devices associated with it.
In the settings, tap ‘Paired devices’.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Then check whether any unknown devices are linked to your account via WhatsApp Web.
Chris Martin / Foundry
What to do if an unknown device is paired?
If there are any devices in your list that you don’t remember pairing, delete them in case you didn’t add them.
Touch and hold the device you want to remove. In the pop-up window, tap “Sign Out” to disconnect the device.
Press and hold your finger on the device to disconnect.
Chris Martin / Foundry
How to protect yourself from unauthorized readers
In order to connect to your Whatsapp Web unnoticed, someone must have scanned the corresponding QR code in your smartphone app. So pay attention to who you let use your mobile phone and where you are when you pair devices.
Tip: Activate two-factor authentication in the app settings under ‘Account’. This requires you to set a six-digit PIN that is required every time you open the app. Do not share this PIN code with anyone.
Additional precautions to protect your account include:
- Be careful with files and links: Don’t open anything that comes from unknown contacts or that seems strange to you. Friends can also unintentionally send spam or malicious links, for example for fake contests.
- Keep apps up to date: Update WhatsApp and other apps regularly to ensure security holes are closed.
- Ignore chain letters: Avoid forwarding chain letters as many cases are scams.
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