Your mobile phone has become the center of your digital lifeConversations, personal photos, work documents, passwords, bank details… everything passes through there. That's why every time you unlock it, you're opening a door to a huge amount of information that, if it falls into the wrong hands, can cause you more than a few headaches.
The good news is that You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourselfBoth Android and iOS, and apps like WhatsApp, include a lot of privacy and security settings that, if you review them once a month, greatly reduce the risk of spying, scams, account theft, or unauthorized access to your device.
WhatsApp privacy settings you should review every month
WhatsApp is one of the apps where we move the most personal information daily, and at the same time, one of the favorite targets of cybercriminalsScams, identity theft, account theft, and espionage attempts are commonplace, so it's advisable to put several layers of protection on your device.
Experts, and Meta itself, recommend perform a quick security check at least once a monthIt won't take more than a few minutes and it can make the difference between keeping your account under control or having someone impersonate you to deceive your contacts.
1. Linked devices: control where your account is open
With multi-device mode, your WhatsApp account can be open on computers, tablets, or web browsers, in addition to your main mobile phone. This is very convenient, but it also means that someone might leave a session open on a shared computer Or worse, that a third party opens it without you noticing.
Each month you should go to the section of Linked devices Take a look at the list: device type, browser, approximate location, and last login. If you see something you don't recognize (for example, a PC that isn't yours or a city you haven't been to), it's best to log out immediately.
This simple check protects you from one of the most common methods of espionage today: take advantage of a few seconds of carelessness to scan the WhatsApp Web QR code and have real-time access to your chats without you noticing.
2. Two-step verification: the PIN that protects your account
WhatsApp's two-step verification adds an extra barrier when someone tries to register your number on a new device. Even if an attacker obtains your SMS code through phishing or by duplicating the SIMYou would still need the PIN that you set to complete the process.
To activate it, go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification And set a PIN code that you don't use anywhere else. WhatsApp will also let you link an email address to reset access if you forget your PIN, which is highly recommended to avoid being locked out of your account.
It is advisable to periodically check that This verification is still active and the associated email is correctespecially if you change your primary email or have recently gone through account recovery processes.
3. Security notifications and encryption keys
WhatsApp encrypts messages end-to-end, but Your contacts' security keys may change If you reinstall the app or change devices. To keep you informed of these changes, the app offers security notifications that many people disable without thinking twice; you can learn more about it. WhatsApp privacy and metadata.
4. Fake updates and apps that impersonate WhatsApp
Another key point is to make sure that Do you always use the official and updated version of WhatsApp?There are fraudulent applications that mimic its icon and interface, and that, when installed, introduce malware capable of spying on conversations, stealing data, or even hijacking the account to extort the victim.
The way to minimize this risk is simple: Download WhatsApp only from the official store (Google Play or App Store) and enable automatic updates. New versions fix security flaws, strengthen encryption, and improve systems for detecting malicious messages or files.
5. Privacy Checkup: WhatsApp's Built-in Assistant
In the most recent versions, WhatsApp has integrated a tool called “Privacy Review” within the settings section, specifically aimed at users who don't want to get bogged down with advanced menus.
This assistant guides you step by step to check who can call you, who sees your profile picture, your last seen time, your status updates, and, most importantly, which devices have active sessions with your accountGoing through this assistant once a month is a good habit to keep all the settings aligned with your desired level of privacy.
6. IP protection in WhatsApp calls
Another function that often goes unnoticed is the IP address protection during callsThis option hides your real IP address so the other party cannot infer your approximate location or connection details when you make a voice call on WhatsApp.
If you frequently receive calls from unknown numbers, or simply want extra anonymity, it's worth going into WhatsApp's call settings and Activate IP protection whenever the app allows it.especially in sensitive work environments or when communicating with people you don't know well.
Fake warnings about “advanced chat privacy” and AI
In recent months, a message has gone viral, circulating in many WhatsApp groups in several languages, claiming that... if the administrator does not activate a supposed “Advanced Chat Privacy”Artificial intelligence will be able to legally access all messages, both from groups and private conversations.
The text usually indicates a path like “click the group name, scroll down to see the option and activate it” and is presented as a Urgent cybersecurity warningIn some cases, it is embellished with alarmist messages about AI reading personal chats and phone data.
Know that That message is a hoaxThere is no official WhatsApp setting with the exact name of “Advanced Chat Privacy” as described in the chain message, and no one is going to grant AI automatic and “legal” access to all your conversations just because you don't touch an option.
WhatsApp already implements end-to-end encryption by default, and Meta details in its privacy policy what data it processes and for what purposes. If you receive these types of chain messages, it is advisable not to forward them. and explain to the rest of the group that it's misinformation. Security isn't improved with fear and viral messages, but by reviewing the actual settings the app provides.
Mobile privacy settings: what your device knows about you
Beyond WhatsApp, Your phone itself is a goldmine of personal dataIt knows who you talk to, what sites you visit, what interests you, what hours you work, and even your sleep routines. That's why it's so important to configure them properly. system privacy settings and give them a periodic check-up.
The first step, although it may seem basic, is the screen lock. A PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or facial recognition They are the barrier that separates your digital life from the rest of the world. Without them, anyone who picks up your phone for a few minutes can snoop on practically everything.
1. Unlock code and biometrics
On Android, go to Settings > Security and privacy > Device unlock (The name may vary depending on the manufacturer's skin) and configure a robust method. On iPhone, go to Settings > Face ID and passcode (or Touch ID) and set a numeric code that is not easy to guess.
In addition, it's advisable to check periodically. what fingerprints or faces are on record on your mobile, in case you added someone else's number for convenience and no longer want them to have direct access.
2. Location: who knows where you are and when
Location is one of the most sensitive pieces of data you generate. Both Android and iOS allow you to fine-tune which apps can use it and under what circumstances, so Reviewing this list every month is almost mandatory..
On iOS, the path is Settings > Privacy and security > Location servicesThere you will see all the apps and you can choose whether they can always use your location, only when using them, never, or even whether they are allowed precise or approximate location.
On Android, go to Settings > Location > App location permissions and check which apps have permanent permission, which ones only when you use them, and which ones shouldn't have access at all because their function doesn't need it.
3. Camera and microphone: permissions under control
Giving any application access to your camera or microphone without thinking can open the door to unwanted recordings or background listeningFortunately, both Android and iOS allow you to manage these permissions centrally; learn how. Check which apps have access to the microphone.
On iOS, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Microphone and Settings > Privacy and security > Camera To disable apps that shouldn't be using these resources, on Android, go to Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager and check each of the camera and microphone settings one by one.
Remember that, in recent versions of both systems, An indicator appears on the screen. (dot or colored icon) when an app is using the camera or microphone, making it easier to detect suspicious behavior.
4. Access to photos and gallery
Many apps need access to your gallery so you can upload, edit, or share images, but that doesn't mean they need to see absolutely all of your photos. Modern systems allow for much more limited access..
When an app requests permission to access your photos, iOS lets you choose whether it can see all of them, only selected photos, or if that access is temporary. Later, you can always go to the settings section. Photo and video permissions in privacy settings to change that decision; if you want, learn how limit which photos each app sees.
On Android the logic is similar, with options for grant full access, limited access, or deny accessChecking from time to time which apps still have permission to view your gallery prevents surprises with services you no longer use or that don't need to see your personal albums.
5. WiFi Networks and Secure Connections
Connecting to any public WiFi without paying too much attention is one of those habits that They make life easier for the attackersBoth Android and iOS warn you when a network appears to be unsafe, for example, because it does not encrypt traffic properly.
It's best to get used to using only known and password-protected networksand avoid entering passwords or sensitive data whenever possible when using open networks in cafes, airports, or shopping malls. If there is no other option, Use a reliable VPN It can add an extra layer of protection.
6. Application locking with PIN or biometrics
In addition to the general phone lock, some apps allow you to add a internal biometric code or unlockThis is the case, for example, with WhatsApp, banking apps, or password managers.
In WhatsApp, you can set up fingerprint or Face ID lock from the app's privacy settings. Many Android skins (Samsung, Xiaomi, and others) also offer this feature. app lock with PIN From the system settings, ideal for protecting emails, galleries, or file managers when you lend your phone; if you want to go further, see how to configure a near total privacy mode on Android.
7. Lost or Stolen Mode and “Find My Device”
If you lose your phone or it gets stolen, it's vital to have activated remote location features beforehand. On iPhone, the app and service Search They allow you to locate the device, lock it, display a message on the screen, or erase it remotely.
On Android, the equivalent function is managed from android.com/find Using your Google account login. From there you can make the device ring, lock it, or erase its contents if you've already given it up for lost.
Ideally, you should periodically check that These options remain active and linked to your main accountand that you remember how to access them in case of emergency.
8. Tracking for advertising and ad personalization
On iOS, apps can request permission to track your activity both inside and outside the app for advertising purposes. Each time you install a new app, the system asks if you want to allow this tracking, but You can change your mind later.
To manage it, log in Settings > Privacy and security > Tracking and decide which apps can track you and which can't. You can even completely disable the possibility of new apps requesting permission.
On Android, the setting is in Settings > Services > Ads > Disable ad personalizationEnabling it limits advertising profiling based on your activity, reducing the amount of data associated with your advertising identifier.
9. Sending usage statistics and diagnostics
Both Android and iOS collect data, either by default or with prior consent, usage data and diagnostics to improve system and application performance. This data typically includes information about crashes, battery consumption, usage time, etc.
If you prefer not to share any of this, on Android you can go to Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Usage and diagnostics and disable sending. On iPhone, the option is in Settings > Analysis, where you can uncheck the box to share analytics from your iPhone and Apple Watch.
Keep in mind that Disabling these statistics may limit the ability of some apps to detect errorsSo, it's about finding the balance between privacy and service improvement that best suits you.
10. Password management and data breach alerts
The password managers built into Android (Google Account) and iOS are capable of Check if any of your saved credentials have appeared in a data breachIf they detect a problem, they will show you a warning and recommend that you change that key.
From time to time, he enters the section of Passwords of your system (in iOS within Settings, and in Android usually through your Google account or the Chrome browser) and check which passwords appear as vulnerable, reused, or too weak.
Updating these keys with more robust and unique ones is a essential protective measure against unauthorized accessespecially if you use the same credentials across multiple services.
22 advanced security settings worth checking out on Android
Android includes many additional options that often go unnoticed, but which provide very robust protection if configured correctly and reviewed regularly. As a monthly checklist, here are: 22 key settings you should keep under control:
- App permissions: Review the permissions manager to limit access to location, camera, microphone, contacts, and storage. Take advantage of options like "only while using" or "only this time" permissions. Learn how to detect apps that spy.
- Google Play Protect: Verify that it is enabled in Security and Privacy and run a manual scan from time to time to detect apps with suspicious behavior.
- Safe browsing in Chrome: It enables enhanced protection and uses security checking to detect compromised passwords and insecure configurations.
- System phishing protection: On Android 14 or higher, look for options to detect scams or malicious applications and activate them if your device supports them.
- Suspicious message detector: In the Google Messages app, turn on spam and phishing protection to receive alerts about dangerous SMS or RCS messages.
- Defense in calls: If you use a Pixel or other compatible devices, turn on phone scam detection and blocking or alerting for suspicious calls.
- Information on the lock screen: Limit the content visible in notifications so that sensitive messages do not appear in plain text when the screen is locked.
- Controls on the lock screen: Consider disabling quick settings from the lock screen to prevent anyone from activating or deactivating important connections or modes.
- NFC Protection: Configure the unlock requirement for NFC payments or transfers, so that transactions cannot be performed with the mobile phone locked.
- Smart Lock / Extend Unlock: Use it wisely, limiting trusted places and devices so that your phone doesn't remain unlocked longer than necessary.
- Two-step authentication (2FA) for Google: Activate two-step verification with phone prompts, security keys, and an authenticator app as a backup; learn more Google Titan M vs Samsung Knox to understand hardware security options.
- Identity Check or additional verification: Enables biometric confirmation to access sensitive settings such as passwords or critical account changes.
- Lockdown mode: Configure this mode to be able to disable fingerprint, facial recognition and Smart Lock all at once, leaving only PIN or password.
- App pinning: Activate the option to "pin" a single app to the screen, so that if you lend your phone, no one can exit it without your code.
- Guest mode or user profiles: Create a guest profile to lend your phone without exposing your personal data, work apps, or accounts.
- Find My Device (Find Hub): Check that remote location is working and correctly associated with your Google account.
- Emergency contact: It adds basic medical information and a contact visible from the lock screen for potential emergency situations.
- Theft Detection Lock: On compatible devices, it activates automatic locking if the system detects movements typical of a robbery.
- Offline lock: Enables device locking when long periods of inactivity combined with failed unlock attempts are detected.
- Quick remote lock: Configure the options to be able to remotely lock the phone quickly without having to erase all the data.
- SIM card protection: Set up SIM and eSIM blocking and line change confirmation to prevent someone from taking over your number; learn about risks such as... Stingray attack.
- Super Secure Mode (Advanced Protection): In recent versions, activate this package of recommended protections as a starting point, and then adjust the details to your liking.
Most serious mobile incidents are not due to highly sophisticated malware, but to Poorly configured permissions, lack of locking, weak passwords, or human errorTherefore, rather than becoming paranoid, what really works is to dedicate a few minutes every so often to reviewing these settings in an organized way.
Ultimately, maintaining a certain monthly maintenance ritual—checking linked WhatsApp devices, verifying app permissions, updating the system, confirming that 2FA is working, and verifying options like "Find My Device" or lost mode— It marks the line between having a relatively secure account or one that is completely exposed.There's no need to complicate things: with a few well-thought-out changes and regular checks, your digital privacy can be far superior to that of most users.
