5 tips from WhatsApp to keep your account secure

Number of active WhatsApp users reached 2 billion worldwide. To celebrate this event, service representatives shared instructions on how to make your account as safe and private as possible.

1. Turn on two-factor authentication

By default, you need to confirm access to your account via SMS. But there is a danger that intruders will gain access to your number. To protect yourself in this case, set an additional password-code that will need to be entered when checking your account.

To enable the function, open the "Settings" tab and select "Account" → "Two-step verification". Come up with a 6-digit password and enter your email to restore access in case you forget the code.

2. Make your account private

Not everyone knows that in WhatsApp you can limit what information other users see about you. Configure who can see when you were online, see your profile pictures, account information, and online status by going to Settings → Account → Privacy.

3. Configure who can add you to group chats

If you are constantly being added to chats with a bunch of people without your knowledge, you will surely be glad to know that recently WhatsApp allows you to limit this. You can give access to everyone, or only to users from the contact list - and, if you wish, you can prohibit inviting even some people from the address book to groups. To do this, select the "Contacts except ..." option.

In the settings, this item is located in the section "Account" → "Privacy" → "Groups". Note that you can still receive invitations from group admins - but they will automatically stop adding you.

4. Turn on Fingerprint Lock or Face ID

Like banking apps, WhatsApp lets you restrict app access using Face ID / Touch ID on an iPhone or fingerprint scanner on Android. You can set the block timer so that it does not activate instantly. To do this, go to the "Settings" tab and select "Account" → "Privacy" → "Screen lock".

5. Update the app regularly

To ensure maximum security, install the latest updates: they close the vulnerabilities found. The easiest way is to enable automatic updates.