WhatsAppWith over 2.000 billion active users worldwide, WhatsApp has become an essential communication tool in both personal and professional life. However, this popularity has also placed it in the crosshairs of cybercriminals, who constantly search for vulnerabilities in the app to access confidential information.
In the wake of this growing threat, Check Point Software Technologies, a company specializing in cybersecurity, has identified the Seven most dangerous mistakes users make when using WhatsAppEach of these oversights opens potential security holes that can be exploited by attackers, so understanding and addressing them becomes essential to protecting privacy in the digital environment.
1. WhatsApp Errors: Not activating two-step verification
One of the most effective and at the same time most neglected security measures is two-step verification.This feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring an additional PIN when registering your phone number on another device.
If this option is not enabled, errors in WhatsApp are minimized. Additionally, an attacker who obtains the verification code—for example, through social engineering—can take control of the account in just a few seconds. To enable it, go to Settings > Account > Two-Step Verification and set a PIN code along with an optional email address to recover access if the PIN is forgotten.
2. Share your location in real time without supervision
The real-time location sharing feature It can be useful for finding someone or facilitating a meeting, but if used carelessly, it can become a double-edged sword. Sending this information to unverified contacts or in groups with many people can reveal sensitive details about a person's movements, daily routine, or whether they are away from home. The recommendation is Use this feature only with people you trust and verify that it is deactivated once it has fulfilled its purpose.
3. Allow automatic file downloads on any network
Allow WhatsApp to automatically download photos, videos, and documents can compromise the device's security. Seemingly innocent files can contain malware that activates when opened, allowing everything from data theft to remote control of the phone.
To avoid this, you must manually configure what types of files are downloaded and under what conditions, by accessing Settings > Storage & data and disabling the automatic download option on mobile and Wi-Fi networks.
4. Not checking your profile privacy settings is one of the mistakes on WhatsApp.
WhatsApp offers multiple options to decide who can see your profile picture, information, status, and read receipts.. Failure to customize these settings may expose personal information to strangers, who could use it for identity theft or harassment.
It is advisable to enter Settings> Privacy and adjust each parameter, such as “Who can see my personal information,” by selecting between “Everyone,” “My contacts,” or “No one” for each aspect of the profile.
5. Not keeping the application updated
One of the most common mistakes on WhatsApp is ignoring updates.Each new version typically includes patches that correct detected vulnerabilities, so delaying installation leaves the way open for attackers to exploit known bugs.
To avoid this risk, you should enable automatic update from the appropriate app store or, failing that, manually check for new versions regularly. Keeping the app updated is essential, especially if you've had recent issues.
6. Send sensitive information without additional security
Although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption by defaultSharing data such as passwords, card numbers, or scanned documents can be risky. This is because if the recipient's device is compromised, all content will be accessible to attackers.
Ideally, you should avoid sending this type of information via this method. If absolutely necessary, you can use an external encryption system before sending the file or use platforms that are more focused on protecting confidential data.
7. Not managing app permissions on the device
The application may require permissions to access the camera, microphone, contacts, location, among others.However, many users accept all of these requests without reviewing the actual use of each request, which can be exploited by malicious third parties when a security breach exists.
To review these permissions, simply enter Device settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions, and disable those that are not strictly necessary for the daily use of the app.
WhatsApp among the most impersonated brands in the world
According to the report Brand Phishing Report Q2024 XNUMX According to a study conducted by Check Point Research, WhatsApp ranked sixth among the most impersonated brands globally. This reflects the fact that cybercriminals are using the app's visual identity—such as logos, colors, and fonts—to create fake pages, fraudulent messages, or malicious links with the aim of deceiving users.
Spain appears as one of the most attacked countries, with a high volume of incidents reaching 33% of the total annual cyberattacks, totaling 1.827 cases in 2024. This data underscores the importance of taking extreme precautions in the digital environment to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts, identity theft, or other types of fraud.
Awareness and prevention, keys to safety
Check Point Software highlights that The best defense against digital threats is information and preventionProperly configuring WhatsApp doesn't require advanced technical knowledge, but it does require a thorough review of every aspect related to privacy and security. According to Eusebio Nieva, the company's technical director for Spain and Portugal, the evolution of attacks is constant And it's becoming increasingly difficult to detect when a message or link is malicious, so it's essential for users to take the initiative and adapt their digital habits.
Common mistakes that open the door to cybercriminals on WhatsApp
As we have seen, the most common errors when using WhatsApp are not complex technical errors, but everyday actions that are carried out without thinking about their consequencesNot enabling security features, accepting unnecessary permissions, or carelessly sharing private data are common practices that can lead to data loss, identity theft, or even blackmail.
Instant messaging, although convenient and fast, requires individual responsibility for how it is used. Each user has multiple options to strengthen their privacy, and doing so is easier than it seems if you follow the basic recommendations provided by experts.
A more conscious use of WhatsApp can significantly reduce the risks associated with cybercrime. Small changes in settings and daily usage habits can make a big difference when it comes to protect personal information and avoid becoming a victim of scams or targeted attacks. Share this information and help other users improve security in the Meta messaging app..
