Monday, 18 October 2021 05:48

WhatsApp rolls out encryption for chats backed up in the cloud

Rate this item
(0 votes)

WhatsApp is the mobile messaging backbone of much of the global population, and all of its users just got an added layer of privacy protection.

On the WhatsApp blog, the Facebook-owned messaging app confirmed that end-to-end encryption for backed up chats in the cloud will roll out "slowly" to all of its two billion (!) users starting now. This was previously announced in September, but without a specific release date. All you need to do is have the latest version of the WhatsApp mobile app installed to get access to the feature.

Here's how it works: Let's say you're getting a new phone and want to keep some WhatsApp conversations that are stored locally on your current device around for future reference using the iCloud or Google Drive cloud backup that's already available in WhatsApp. Open the Settings menu, find the "Chat Backup" option in the Chats section, then tap "End-to-end Encrypted Backup." You'll be prompted to turn it on, and guided through the process of creating a custom password or a 64-digit key. Hit "Create" after that and watch the magic happen.

Of course, it's vital that you keep your password or key around so you can use it later. What this feature does is lock that cloud backup behind a layer of security that prevents both WhatsApp and any cloud service from accessing the messages or the key used to unlock them.

This closes a loophole that would have allowed governments to force cloud services to hand over backed up messages, notably in the wake of increased online surveillance laws in India. That country has the largest concentration of WhatsApp users in the world.

As always, if an app gives you the option to enhance privacy, you should probably use it.

 

Mashable

November 21, 2024

How small businesses can leverage dark social to drive word-of-mouth marketing

Key Takeaways Dark social refers to sharing online content through private communication channels like email,…
November 21, 2024

Northern leaders say won’t support Tinubu for re-election due to president’s incompetence, bad policies

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced its decision to support northerners running for the…
November 18, 2024

The magic and the minefield of confidence: Self doubt, hubris and everything in between - The Economist

Confidence is contagious. Someone declaring a position with ringing certainty is more likely to inspire…
November 16, 2024

Influencer eats pig feed in extreme attempt to save money

Popular Douyin streamer Kong Yufeng recently sparked controversy in China by eating pig feed on…
November 21, 2024

50 terrorists killed as Boko Haram insurgents ambush security personnel guarding national grid in Niger…

At least 50 Boko Haram fighters were killed on Tuesday and seven members of Nigeria's…
November 21, 2024

What to know after Day 1001 of Russia-Ukraine war

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE US reopens Kyiv embassy after Ukraine firing of ATACMS missiles into Russia prompted…
November 21, 2024

Nigeria comes top in instant payment system inclusivity index in Africa

Nigeria’s instant payment system is projected to advance to the maturity inclusion spectrum ahead of…
October 27, 2024

Nigeria awarded 3-0 win over Libya after airport fiasco

Nigeria have been awarded a 3-0 victory over Libya, and three vital points, from their…

NEWSSCROLL TEAM: 'Sina Kawonise: Publisher/Editor-in-Chief; Prof Wale Are Olaitan: Editorial Consultant; Femi Kawonise: Head, Production & Administration; Afolabi Ajibola: IT Manager;
Contact Us: [email protected] Tel/WhatsApp: +234 811 395 4049

Copyright © 2015 - 2024 NewsScroll. All rights reserved.