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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Google Meet Code 101: Learn All About The Platform’s Meeting Code

Google Meet is a popular video calling platform created by Google. Whether you are an individual or you are a business, you can connect with others on audio calls and video calls through the platform. Currently, Google Meet is mostly used for video conferences among friends, colleagues, or professionals. One person creates a meeting and sends a unique Google Meet code to others as an invitation to join. In this article, you will learn about the Google Meet platform and the utility of the Google Meet codes that are offered through a Google Meet invitation. Furthermore, you will also learn how the Google Meeting code works on the platform. Finally, you will find out how to join a meeting on Google Meet with the help of a meeting code. Hence, to learn more about the Google Meet code, read on through to the end of the article. What Is Google Meet? Larry Page and Sergey Brin launched Google in 1998 as a search engine. Since then, in twenty-five years, Google covered a lot of milestones, as it is now offering platforms for advertising, cloud computing, quantum computing, computer software, social media, eCommerce, and many more. Google created the Google Meet platform for video calling and video conferencing. Both individuals and businesses commonly use Meet for video conferences, meetings, and discussions. Although created as an extension of Google Hangouts, which is a messaging platform, Meet comes with its own sets of unique features. To log in to Google Meet, one needs to have a Google Account. Your Google account is the same as your Gmail. You need the same during Google Hangouts login as well. Google Meet is also known for enabling users to engage in secure conversations. Although Google sucks in certain cases when it comes to innovation, Google Meet is surely something that stands out. It is one of the most trusted platforms for holding video conferences. Even some of the biggest companies hold big video conferences through Google Meet. What Does The Google Meet Code Mean? According to Google Meet’s official sources, “Meet uses the same protections that Google uses to secure your information and safeguard your privacy. Meet video conferences are encrypted in transit, and our array of safety measures are continuously updated for added protection.” This is where the Google Meet code comes to play. Once you create a meeting on Google Meet, you will get a meet code, which you will need to share with the people you want to invite to the meeting. The Meet code and the Google Meet link are encrypted and hence provide essential protection for security. Basically, Google Meet codes act as meeting identifiers, which users use to invite and interact at meetings in which they are called upon. Every single meeting that took place on Google Meet, and all the meetings that will take place in the future, have a unique meeting code. This is done to offer security to the meeting so that someone does not get unauthorized access. How Does The Google Meet Code Work? If you observe the different Meet codes carefully, you will see that all of them are of ten letters that are divided into three parts in 3-4-3 order of the type xxx-yyyy-zzz. The dashes are given for ease of reading. While you enter a code on a Google Meet link, you will not need to enter the dashes, as Google Meet supports only codes of 10 characters. The link will look like this: https://meet.google.com/xxx-yyyy-zzz. Once you click on the link that you received as an invitation on your device, you will get to a page where you will need to enter the unique code. After you enter the Meet code of ten-letter, you will get access to view and interact with the meeting. However, you will get to the meeting only after the host approves of your joining and participation. After you get inside the meeting, you will find the Google meeting code at the bottom-left portion of the screen. To allow others to participate, you can share this code with others. Does Google Meet Have A Time Limit? Yes. Google Meet codes have a time limit. You cannot enter a meeting link with a meeting code after the code has expired. As per the claims of the official website of Google Meet, “Each meeting is given a unique meeting code which has an expiration time based on what Workspace product the meeting is created from.” To know more about the time limit of the Google Meet code, you can check Google Support. How To Join A Google Meet Conference? The following are the major ways through which you can join a Google Meet conference: 1. Using A Computer Browser Open the Google Meet website from your website browser, or type meet.google.com on the URL. Once you get to the Google Meet page, click on the ‘New Meeting’ option. If you want to join a meeting, click on the ‘Join with a code’ option, and enter the code. 2. Using Mobile App Download the Google Meet mobile app on your smartphone. You need to launch the application and sign in to your account. On the page, you can either create a New Meeting and if you want to join an existing meeting, you need to click on 'Join with a code.' 3. Using Mobile Browser Open a web browser app on your smartphone, and access the Google Meet website. Check the website as a desktop site. Otherwise, the link will ask you to download the app from Play Store. To create a meeting, tap on the New Meeting option, and click on ‘Join.’ Summing Up Hope this article was helpful for you in getting a better idea of what the Google Meet code is and how to use it. This code is unique to every meeting and actually helps to secure the meeting from unauthorized access. You will get access to the meeting only when you enter this ten-letter code after clicking on the link. Do you think Google Meet is secure and useful enough? Share with us what steps Google can take to make Meet better. More Resources: Best Business Meeting Agenda Examples How To Plan A Successful Corporate Event Looking For A Gardener: 8 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Professional

How to Download Airtel Thanks App and Recharge Seamlessly in 2025

Airtel is providing impeccable service and coverage. Well, it has been known for its great coverage and connectivity for as long as I can remember. With strong contenders in the market, it is still a strong player. Revolutionizing the use of technology to improve user experience, you can download Airtel Thanks App! Ever since AR Rahman’s signature composition for the telecom brand, it has literally been a household name. The only thing stopping people from opting Airtel was the pricing, however, with the recent dip in Jio and Vodafone’s services, people are realizing Airtel is worth it. What’s more, users can recharge their number, pay bills and even get free OTT subscriptions with certain recharges! Moreover, with the Airtel Thanks App, Airtel users can manage their prepaid or postpaid connections while doing a lot more! Remember HelloTunes? The app allows you to set a high-quality caller tune of your choice! So, let’s explore all the features of this app and easy steps to download the app to begin your seamless experience! What is the Airtel Thanks App? Before we tell you how to download Airtel Thanks App, let us introduce the app and all its features! The Airtel Thanks App is a revolutionary way Airtel is elevating user experience, which also acts as a rewards program and payment app. The users can utilize the app to pay bills, recharge and do a lot more! Check out the exclusive features below: Pay bills for your postpaid mobile bill, electricity, water, gas and broadband bills. Recharge your prepaid mobile, broadband and DTH. Manage multiple Airtel accounts in one place. Users can get exclusive app offers that allow users to take advantage. The app also alerts on the upcoming bill payments and recharges that may be due soon. The app allows you to earn cashbacks on every UPI payment made through the app. Simply scan QR codes, send and receive money and you could get good cashbacks. In addition, when you download Airtel Thanks App, you can open a savings account and get up to 7% interest on your savings! Cloud storage on a telecom app? Yes! We called it revolutionary for a reason, you can store up to 2GB of data on Airtel Cloud for free! (Of course comes with the connection) Lastly, you can get free subscriptions with your Airtel prepaid recharge. With the app, you can get a free subscription to OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime, Netflix and JioHotstar! Don’t worry, ever since the merger between Reliance’s JioCinema and Disney Hotstar, you will not lose out on the free JioHotstar subscription through the Thanks App. So, now let’s have a look at the process to download Airtel Thanks App. How to Download Airtel Thanks App? If you are thinking of switching providers and Airtel is your choice (I wouldn’t be surprised) you can unlock benefits with the Airtel Thanks App. In addition, the app is free to download on both Android and iOS. So, simply follow the steps for your device type! Let’s download Airtel Thanks App: For Android Users Go to Google Play Store on your mobile. It’s a colorful play button with Google’s iconic colors - blue, green, red and yellow. Look up "Airtel Thanks" in the search bar on the bottom of your screen. Yes, the UI has recently undergone several changes that will take some time to adapt. You’ll see the app as a top result as“Airtel Thanks: Recharge & Bank” Click on “Install” and you’ll have the app on your phone within minutes! Once the installation is complete, tap "Open" to launch the app. For iOS Users Open the App Store on your iOS device. Look up "Airtel Thanks" in the search bar You’ll see the app as a top result as“Airtel Thanks: Recharge & Bank” Tap on "Get" to download the app. You may have to authenticate with your Apple ID or use Face ID/Touch ID. The installation will be complete within minutes. Tap "Open" to launch the app and you’ll have access to all the exciting features. Device Compatibility Despite having an Airtel connection, you may be unable to download Airtel Thanks App due to compatibility issues. Check out the following: Ensure your Android device runs on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Ensure your iOS device runs on iOS 11.0 or later. Make sure you have sufficient storage space (around 100 MB) to accommodate the app. How to Use Airtel Thanks App for Recharge Now that you have successfully completed the process to download Airtel Thanks App, here’s a step-by-step guide to recharge! Step-by-Step Recharge Guide Open the Airtel Thanks App and if you’re not already, log in to your account. Find the 'Recharge' tab and select the service you want to recharge: Mobile Recharge DTH Recharge Datacard Recharge Enter your mobile number and select the recharge pack you prefer. Make the payment using options such as UPI, debit/credit cards, or net banking. Once the payment is successful, the recharge will be processed, and you will receive the confirmation. Additional Features and Benefits Multiple Payment Options: The app offers secure payment options, including UPI, debit/credit cards, and net banking. Exclusive Offers: Check for special discounts and rewards available exclusively through the Airtel Thanks App. Account Management: View and manage your Airtel account, including broadband, DTH, and postpaid services, all within the app. ServiceFeaturesEntertainmentAccess subscriptions like Netflix, Amazon Prime, JioHotstar, and XstreamFinancial ServicesAirtel Payments Bank, online wallet services, personal loans with flexible repayment optionsCall ManagerReal-time missed call alerts, block unwanted numbers, report spam callsFamily ManagementManage and add multiple family members' mobile recharges and receive timely recharge reminders. Tips and Tricks Here are a few tips and tricks that help me enjoy the benefits of using the app! Check them out: Regular Updates: Keep the app updated to ensure access to the latest features and offers. Timely Reminders: Use the app's reminder feature to never miss a recharge for any of your connections. Secure Transactions: Always use secure payment methods provided by the app to protect your financial information. Explore Offers: Regularly check the app for exclusive offers and rewards that can save you money and provide additional benefits. Enjoy the Benefits! The Airtel Thanks app is designed to simplify your telecom experience by providing a unified platform for all your Airtel services. Once you download the Airtel Thanks app, you can enjoy the convenience of quick recharges, secure payments, and a host of other features right at your fingertips. So, what are you waiting for? Download the Airtel Thanks app today and experience the ease of managing your Airtel services like never before. Recharge with the thanks app seamlessly, track your usage, and avail exclusive offers and rewards. Take control of your telecom needs with the Airtel Thanks app. Read Also: Credit Card Terms Everyone Should Know Here’s Why The Airtel Axis Credit Card Is The Perfect Credit Card For You!

Pros and Cons on Google Translation Accuracy

Every person learning a new language through a class or instructor is told right from the beginning today not to use Google translator. It’s a powerful tool for a quick understanding of words or phrases written in another language, so many people think it’s also just as good for translating their language into something else. However, while the power of Google makes their translator fast and comprehensive, it’s also inaccurate. Unfortunately, instead of putting in the extra effort, a lot of students use Google anyways thinking it’s a viable shortcut. The tool gives them away because it is inherently incorrect from the perspective of a native speaker. And most language teachers tend to be native speakers. So, cheating gets caught very quickly and exposed, which is unfortunate. Students caught this way end up embarrassed, usually drop the class or try to get out of it, and then never try to learn a new language again. Another potential translator ends up lost to what never came to be. The Intention of Google Translate: As an online free tool, Google Translate was basically made available to help people find information. It’s consistent with Google’s general product delivery as a search engine. Used in that context, Google Translate works just fine. It carries the ability to roughly translate well over dozens of languages between each other and others. And that makes the tool particularly useful when just trying to understand content from a website or a message sent in another language. Even with the limitations of Google Translate, one can at least figure out what the message is basically trying to communicate. Google Translate also comes with other benefits as well: It’s free and has no cost to use. Just like Google’s search engine, Google Translate works just as easy to access. As long as one has Internet access, he or she can get to the tool through Google’s website, similar to other apps provided by the site. Google has made sure all of its tools work extremely fast with very strong online support. The only problem anyone will have will be based on their own bandwidth and Internet support. It can handle thousands of queries hitting it at the same time, and the tool can handle as much as is copied into it all day long. A typical translator at best moves about 2,000 words per day, fully translated. Google translate is able to adapt and evolve over time because it utilizes a statistical tool that lets the tool’s reference database grow with use and translations. This programmed approach creates matches between words between different languages which it then references again and again with future searches. The Downsides of Google Translate: The first big problem with the online translating tools is that meaning and the relationship to context are lost with Google’s software. It doesn’t know how to automatically sense, understand and build in context. As a result, anything that is even remotely structured or otherwise complex ends up looking like gibberish. The general message will be understood most of the time, but it won’t be anything close to being accurate. This kind of sloppy translating doesn’t happen with professional translators who are worth their salt. Google’s ability to translate is only as good as its database reference pairing words together. So, word for word, if the database has it, will match up. However, that still doesn’t help when one is trying to translate entire phrases or paragraphs correctly. The more common languages in the West tend to be stronger and better in terms of reference. Languages that are far more distant or less used will be harder or may even be non-existent in Google Translate. Google has a poor record when it comes to grammatical accuracy. Again, this comes from the fact that Google’s reference is only at the world level, not the phrase or sentence. As a result, it will frequently produce conversions that have serious sequence and grammar problems easily visible to the native speaker. Worse, Google doesn’t have anything built-in that can fix translation errors, even when identified. There’s no button one clicks on to tell Google the translation is wrong and how it should be fixed. Without that feedback loop, the Translate tool can’t improve on its own. How Google Translate Should be Used: For the average person, Google Translate works very well just to get a basic idea of what someone or a website might be saying in another language. It provides a user a quick understanding. However, there is no place for Google Translate in the professional translating world. It fails even a basic translation passing level. On the road or traveling, Google Translate mobile can be handy as well just to figure out a quick phrase in a pinch. But for essay and document work, it should be avoided. For these types of translations, your best option will still be to hire a professional translation agency. Read Also: What Should my Content Cover to Rank on Google? How To Use Google Ads To Your Advantage The Basics on Google Local Algorithm

Is WhatsApp Safe: What You Need To Know