Is WhatsApp Safe: What You Need To Know

Published on: 20 November 2023 Last Updated on: 05 September 2024

WhatsApp has evolved from being just an instant messaging app to becoming a social phenomenon. It processes over two billion messages daily. However, despite its massive popularity, security experts have pointed out the app’s less-than-ideal security features. They have particularly the level of communication security it provides.

WhatsApp is constantly at the center of rumors and controversy. Is WhatsApp safe? In this article, we will debunk some of the myths surrounding WhatsApp and WhatsApp getting hacked.

WhatsApp And Hacking: Overview

Before the latest updates, WhatsApp did not encrypt the messages that you used to send with the help of the platform. This made it easy for anyone connected to the same network to see messages that were sent. To address this issue, WhatsApp released a new version. It includes message encryption to ensure the security of user communications.

However, recent reports indicate that the encryption used is not strong enough, making it possible to intercept communications even with this new version. Moreover, it’s because the encryption code that WhatsApp uses for Android devices is an MD5 hash of a device’s IMEI number in reverse format. On iOS devices, WhatsApp generates encryption keys by duplicating the MAC address of the Wi-Fi interface and generating an MD5 hash.

It is partially true that WhatsApp is not entirely secure, intercepting and decrypting messages requires that the attacker is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as you. They will also need to know your device’s IMEI number and have enough computer knowledge to capture network traffic. This will help them calculate the MD5 hash of the IMEI number and decrypt messages.

By taking some basic security measures, you can continue using WhatsApp without compromising your privacy. One such measure is to avoid using WhatsApp on public Wi-Fi networks. For example, those found in airports or coffee shops, as these networks may not be secure.

Additionally, it’s important to use basic security measures on your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized users from connecting to it.

Myth 1

Banning WhatsApp can save you from recordkeeping fines.

Reality:

Firstly, there are numerous instances of businesses paying astronomical fines to authorities when their employees use WhatsApp in a non-compliant manner. Recent FINRA fines, where US regulators discovered that businesses had implemented ineffective channel blocks, brought this to light.

According to our 2023 Industry Insight survey, 59% of participants said their organization had outlawed the usage of WhatsApp and related apps. However, only 2.6% of respondents thought that outright banning would be a good idea. Besides, employees still use WhatsApp even after the channel is blocked, whether they like it or not.

This is due to a number of factors, including the app’s widespread use in daily life, its simplicity in texting, voice messaging, and attaching files. Furthermore, it also has a tendency for client-facing teams to use the apps that their clients prefer in order to streamline communication. Ban or no ban, teams will continue to communicate using WhatsApp. Companies that use it with non-compliance will continue to face fines from regulators. Is WhatsApp Safe? Yes.

Myth 2

You don’t need a dedicated WhatsApp business account – sending personal chats is fine.

Reality:

Nothing about utilizing WhatsApp for business purposes should ever become personal. Regulators won’t view it that way, even though employees may believe it’s acceptable to speak with clients (or discuss business-related issues) via personal WhatsApp accounts.

This is due to the fact that messages sent through personal accounts are not recorded and kept in a messaging archive. This makes it impossible for regulators or internal auditors to review them to determine whether or not discussions and activities are appropriate.

Regulators detest few things more than irreversible data. The emphasis now clearly lies on individual accountability when it comes to utilizing private devices for illicit conversations. Your WhatsApp Business account includes a business number linked to it for a reason.

In other words, guaranteeing that conversations are documented in a compliant manner removes compliance concerns while allowing staff members to keep up connections with clients and contacts on their favorite platforms. Is WhatsApp Safe? Yes.

Myth 3

All WhatsApp data collection solutions are the same.

Reality:

Incomplete data may hamper compliance attempts. Besides, delays in investigations can arise from not knowing which messages are transmitted, to whom, or when. Regulators won’t condemn you or shrug their shoulders if you don’t know all the answers.

Some companies claim that their solutions for communications would guarantee that all of your data is safe. But message emulators, like”app wrappers,” and scrapers, have significant technical drawbacks. These third-party services can not guarantee completeness, and they may record all WhatsApp messages sent from a device, including private ones, or cause metadata loss.

Above all, due to insufficient data collection, you run the risk of regulatory fines and reputational harm. Additionally, using a solution with direct API connectivity with Meta is the only method to ensure complete data capture since it allows you to obtain your data directly from the source. Is WhatsApp Safe? Yes.

Myth 4

The collection of WhatsApp data through third-party APIs is a comprehensive and compliant collection.

Reality:

The likelihood of weak connections increases with chain length. Although it could save internal work, licensing your communications acquisition solution to several suppliers adds risk and might even be against your terms of service.

Operational concerns associated with third-party indirect API solutions include hacker assaults and infringements on user privacy and security. Your client information will be at risk if a data breach happens farther down the multivendor chain. Besides, they will still hold you legally liable for the resulting damages.

The solutions are integrated, direct, and end-to-end, preventing possible financial and reputational effects. It provides you full visibility and control of your data without having to worry about a cascading effect. All you need to do is enable it. Is WhatsApp Safe? Yes.

Myth 5

You can’t use WhatsApp for business communications – it’s just not compliant.

Reality:

Although it may appear impossible to use WhatsApp for business interactions due to all of these beliefs, the actual question is: can you afford not to? It’s quite likely that your teams have begun using it to communicate with your clients and that they will be utilizing it in the near future. However, it’s never easy to get employees to support compliance, so forcing them to give up WhatsApp or utilizing a completely new communication channel isn’t the best course of action. Is WhatsApp Safe? Yes.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, organizations cannot bury their heads in the sand and rely on a risky third-party solution or channel ban, as authorities are adopting a zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance. We now have a few options for folks who are trying to dispel the stereotypes and want to use WhatsApp for business.

If you have thoughts to share or want to know is WhatsApp safe, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Harmony In Art: Soul App And WABC Illuminate The Canvas Of Inclusivity

As winter's icy grip tightens its hold, China's well-known social app Soul App and the WABC Art Way Foundation in Shanghai took it upon themselves. They wish to kindle a heartwarming flame through a unique exhibition that envelops the season in a radiant glow. This exhibition was all about allowing children dealing with autism, known in China as "children of the stars," to flex their creative abilities and express themselves through the medium of art and colors. The collaboration between WABC and Soul App was not just to underscore the importance of kindness and patience but also to elevate public knowledge and foster a deeper sense of inclusivity toward autism. An Introduction To The Exhibition… Most of these paintings that were part of the exhibition were so much more than just regular works of art. They were extraordinary creations by remarkably talented children. In every one of these creations, each stroke of the paintbrush captured a spectrum of themes infused with the unique creativity, enthusiasm, and vigor of each young artist. And because these artworks were so extraordinary, Soul did not want to limit them to just a physical exhibition. So, the Soul App team took on the responsibility of transforming these artistic creations into a channel for change. By digitalizing these masterpieces, Soul created a collection of art-inspired merchandise. The proceeds from the sale of these products were pledged to support WABC's initiatives for autistic children. This transformative process not only amplified the impact of the children's art but also channeled the collective goodwill of the community towards a cause that transcends the canvas. The collaboration between Soul and WABC was meant to go beyond the realms of just art as well as philanthropy, and that is exactly what the event did. The exhibition not only showcased the works of these extremely talented children but also worked as a transformative bridge that allowed children with autism to communicate and connect with the world in their own special way. What Made Them Different And Unique? Each painting on display had a unique backstory, and the artistic flair of the creator brought it to life on canvas. From the stunning sunset that spread its last bit of orange glow over the seascape to the gathering of twinkling stars across the cosmic sky and the earth depicted as a colorful ball exuding energy all around, every painting was a portal into the imagination and artistic genius of the "children of the stars." Artists like Yangyang, Ah Ye, and Jielin brought together a medley of styles and stories that were as awe-inspiring as they were diverse. For instance, Jielin put her savant skills to work by painting an imaginative representation of space and time as viewed and perceived by her. While each painting was no doubt a personal narrative, it also offered an overall glimpse into the unique minds of autistic kids. So, each of these paintings contributed in its own way to building autism awareness, challenging stereotypes, and above all, fostering a more inclusive society. Held for 8 days from December 18th to 25th, the event known as "Painting Away Loneliness Fur-ever," unfolded its enchanting narrative at No.794 in Shanghai’s Julu Road. Beyond being a visual feast of artistic expressions, the exhibition became a haven, as the venue was transformed into a cozy, tranquil refuge adorned with stuffed toys and plush, soft materials. This carefully curated ambiance aimed to do more than showcase art; it sought to dissolve the barriers of loneliness, aligning seamlessly with Soul's overarching vision of a world without lonely individuals. Physical Exhibition Space While the physical exhibition space provided a tangible experience for visitors, Soul recognized the importance of extending the warmth and inclusivity of the event beyond geographical constraints. For those unable to attend in person, Soul App facilitated virtual participation by engaging in discussions under the hashtag #MeltLonelinessTogether. This online dialogue accomplished two important goals. First, it contributed to the exhibition's digital presence. Second, it echoed the collective warmth generated by the physical event. Because the physical exhibition space was embellished with fluffy decorations, ornaments, and mesmerizing plush dolls, the event became more than just a fundraiser. The environment was skillfully designed to instantly alleviate visitors' loneliness. So, the warm as well as soothing atmosphere became a space where emotional connections could flourish, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit between Soul App and WABC. What Was There For Consumers? Soul extended an invitation to its consumers to explore the online exhibition version through an assigned in-app website page. But this page too, was more than just a virtual gallery. It built a foundation on which the event itself was built, and the goals of awareness and inclusivity were met. So, it had comprehensive information about the exhibition, the painters, and of course, the exhibits. The hashtag #MeltLonelinessTogether encouraged users to both discuss and share their opinions on the exhibition, amplifying its impact on social media platforms and fostering a digital community committed to the cause. The event was a roaring success not just because it involved people coming together for an exceptional cause but also because Soul App and WABC have been collaborating for a while to increase awareness of social issues. In the past, they partnered to host a variety of events, which included: The Different Socks Day, a charity event organized to promote inclusion as well as acceptance for individuals suffering from Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autopsy. The exhibition of "Special Doesn't Mean Lonely". An event for "Soul's Happy Star Home" event, The "Stars Meet Songs", was an online music party and a philanthropic event aimed at infusing adoration into the lives of the "children of the stars." The coming together of Soul and WABC was bound to be a symbiotic association with the latter committed to public advocacy and the former involved in offering young people a platform to contribute to philanthropy and make a difference in their own lives and the weaker sections of society by extending kindness to all. Established in 2016, WABC has long been associated with campaigns that were organized to raise awareness about community and public issues. Also, they have been providing no-cost art therapy to individuals with developmental disabilities and intellectual deficits. Parting Thoughts As far as Soul App is concerned, almost 80% of total users belong to Generation Z, and these youngsters are keen on engaging in charity and volunteering work. Hence, it was a given that they would be involved in causes and campaigns that matter and are meant to make a difference. So, as the app continues to encourage warmth and foster its reputation on the platform, it remains dedicated to supporting highly vulnerable communities. Through a virtual social playground that organically expands based on user creativity, Soul strives towards its vision of a world where no one feels alone. This commitment goes beyond sporadic initiatives; it has become an integral part of Soul's identity—a platform that not only facilitates connections but also nurtures a spirit of giving back. 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Top 5 Digital Wallet Apps for Android

On average, most people have bulky wallets. You have your debit and credit cards, driving license, cash, a couple of loyalty cards as well as your gym membership and library cards. You have to stow them in your purse or your back pocket every time you go out and this can be a major hassle sometimes when you don’t want to carry anything along. Luckily, technology has provided us a solution in the form of digital wallets that essentially enable you to carry your cash within your smartphone. App development companies launch wonderful apps each & every day. This is a new generation of secure and electronic payments and might just pave the way for a cashless future. Read also: App Development Benefits: Here’s Why You Should Go Mobile These days, you can find digital wallet apps for your smartphone and download the one that seems the most feasible to you. Listed below are the top 5 digital wallet apps you can get if you have an Android smartphone. App #1: Android Pay This is a digital wallet platform developed by Google that enables you to buy goods and services via an NFC-fingerprint system. Android Pay has struck deals with financial institutions and retailers that allows it to store your debit, credit, and gift and loyalty card information. In this way, you are able to make quick payments at retail outlets that support point-of-sale (POS) systems. You can also make payments online and on apps as well. It works by storing your Android Pay credit card information on the device and accesses it at store-specific apps or tap-to-pay retail locations. App #2: Samsung Pay You can use this digital wallet app with almost any point-of-sale system, which means that not only does it work with NFC, but also with standard retail terminals that boast the Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and also the Europay MasterCard Visa (EMV) readers, which are currently used for chip-based and traditional credit card transactions. For now, you can only use this digital wallet app with Samsung Galaxy smartphones that run on Android, but the new Samsung Pass will expand it to other devices as well and make contactless transactions easier. App #3: Gyft This app has earned a name for itself in the gift card landscape, which is a $100 billion annual market. With this platform, users are able to send, buy, redeem and manage gift cards from approximately 300 retailers and all through a mobile app. While it doesn’t replace your loyalty cards or credit cards, it focuses specifically on gift cards and allows you to upload them on the digital wallet app so you can use them online or in stores via the app. App #4: PayPal PayPal is one of the most trusted and popular mobile wallets that boasts nearly 173 million users spread in over 203 countries and using about 26 currencies. Not only can you store your debit and credit card information on this digital wallet, you can also connect it to your bank accounts directly. In this way, you can have a balance on your PayPal account for making a purchase whenever you want. You can download the app for free on your Android smartphone. App #5: eWallet This is one of the few digital wallet apps that are not available for free download. However, it is one of the top apps because it actually encrypts and stores your personal and sensitive financial data such as account numbers. It enables you to get access to all of them through touch ID for devices that support it or via one password. This app can be regarded as a true digital wallet because it can store everything from insurance cards and passports to library cards and loyalty programs.

The most downloaded app in September is China-based TikTok app

Just no ordinary app can surpass top downloads like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube, but the TikTok app isn't just like your regular everyday app, and the recent ranking data released by SensorTower, a leading app intelligence firm, has TikTok as the number one downloaded/installed app in the month of September. The data shows that as at the 29th of September, the app was in the lead of as the most downloaded app with 29.7 percent more than other leading apps. As if that was enough, on the 30th of October, it was revealed that TikTok attained an all-time high value of 42.4 percent more than the other top apps in the ranking charts. The metrics for September downloads of the app shows it had amassed up to about 3.81 million combined downloads on both Google Play store and App Store. This shows its number of downloads had increased by 31 percent when compared to previous months. At the second position was Facebook which amazed a number of 3.53 million downloads. Checking the progress of the app from last year to this year puts things into perspective. The data showed that there was a 237 percent rise in the number of downloads from October 2017 to October 2018. That is an astronomical rise from the lowly 1.13 million downloads the app recorded in October 2017 There is still a long way for Tik Tok to go: Although there has been an increase in the number of downloads of the app, there is still a long way for the app to go in becoming a leading app in download stores. The download charts show that at present, TikTok, is stationed at number four, just a position higher than Messenger, and three ahead of Facebook. However, the app was still behind leading apps, YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat who occupied the first three positions respectively. In terms of monthly user engagement, TikTok still has some catching up to do as it currently sits at just 29 percent in terms of usage. This value is a bit short of the high value of user engagement that Facebook (96 percent), Instagram (95 percent), Snapchat(95 percent) and YouTube (95 percent) have. The merger between Musical.ly andTikTok is often taken as part of the reasons why TikTok is on the rise. InChina, TikTok goes by another name "Drouin," and the app claims to have an active global audience of 500 million in over 150 countries around the value of on a monthly basis. But with Instagram reporting over one billion user son a monthly basis, it can be said that TikTok still has a long way to go. TikTok: TikTokWikileaks' entry shows the app was launched by its parent company ByteDance in September 2016. As a prominent short video platform with roots in Asia, the app has gained worldwide coverage, and it is becoming a leading app in its genre. Byte Dance: The parent company of the TikTokapp is a Chinese Internet Technology Company, which upon acquiring musical.ly launched TikTok. As it stands, the company has more than 200 million users, and the August 2018 valuation of the Company, has it at $75 billion. If you want to become Read Also: 5 KPI’s All App Developers Should Track Top 7 Free Instagram Apps To View And Enjoy Your Photos Like A Pro

Is WhatsApp Safe: What You Need To Know