Texting Hacks
Every day, all of us text each other. Over the past ten years, it has undoubtedly risen to the top of the communication modes. However, relatively few of us consider instant messaging's security implications. It's time to adopt new perspectives.
In 2021, messaging applications were used by nearly three billion users, confirming their position as one of the most popular application categories. The average consumer sends 72 messages a day, or almost three messages every hour, although certain age groups send less, about 16, and some age groups send more, about 85.
Texting carries risks of its own, just like any other online behavior. In order to enhance comprehension, let us talk about Pegasus, the spyware. Pegasus, created by the NSO Group, has access to your images, call recordings, and message monitoring capabilities. Pegasus malware was allegedly used in 2018 to break into the device of Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.
Let's examine several methods for maintaining the security of your instant messaging.
1. Use end-to-end encryption: Make use of messaging programs that have enabled end-to-end encryption. Even the messaging app creator is unable to view your communications when they are end-to-end encrypted. That is as safe as it gets. But, in the event that it is necessary, it gives law enforcement access to the contents of your texts.
Popular messaging apps like Telegram, Signal, and WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption. Facebook offers end-to-end encryption through its Messenger app, but not on messenger.com or Facebook.com. It's helpful to know which apps provide end-to-end encryption so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
2. Turn on disappearing messages:You can activate the function that causes messages to vanish if you wish to take security a step further. This allows you to configure a time limit for the device's message display. Messages can be set up to be removed once the recipient has read them. Even if your cellphone is physically stolen, this feature prevents hackers from reading your communications.
How to turn on disappearing message on WhatsApp:
Open the WhatsApp chat.
Tap Settings.
Tap Disappearing Messages.
Select 24 hours, seven days, or 90 days.
How to turn on disappearing message on iMessage:
Open Settings.
Tap Messages.
Tap Keep messages.
Select 30 days, one year, or forever.
3. Lock your conversations: You can also lock individual conversations to protect your communications. This will guarantee that your conversations stay confidential and hidden from curious eyes. You have the option to lock individual conversations or your messaging app. Turning on this function is especially helpful if you share your phone with others and worry that someone could be reading your conversations. Individual chats can only be locked using WhatsApp at the moment.
4. Know where your chat backups are stored: If you decide to backup your communications, make sure they are encrypted and that you are familiar with where they are stored.
End-to-end encryption protects conversations on the messaging app, but if they are saved up on iCloud or Google Drive, they could be compromised and made available to hackers. Making an end-to-end encrypted backup of your conversation data that is kept on Google Drive or iCloud is a smart idea.
One of the most popular forms of communication is texting, thus it's critical to keep your texts private. You may think this is unnecessary, but wait till your private bank account details or images are exposed! Remember the previously listed tips and choose your online conduct wisely to avoid security vulnerabilities.
RELATED NEWS
