WhatsApp Security in 2020: A Comprehensive Analysis
Do you feel safe while using WhatsApp in 2020? This article delves into the security aspects of WhatsApp, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and explores alternative messaging apps that offer enhanced security features.
WhatsApp Security Measures
WhatsApp, one of the most popular global messengers, claims to provide robust security features. According to its official website, the app implements several security measures. The core of WhatsApp's security lies in its end-to-end encryption mechanism.
End-to-End Encryption
When both users in a conversation use WhatsApp, their messages are end-to-end encrypted. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the message content. WhatsApp further ensures that your calls are also end-to-end encrypted, preventing third parties, including WhatsApp itself, from listening in.
Data Privacy and Storage Practices
WhatsApp does not store your messages on its servers once they have been delivered. However, it still retains some metadata to improve the functionality of the app. Importantly, you can check if your calls and messages are end-to-end encrypted by looking for the relevant indicator in contact or group information.
WhatsApp Privacy Flaws
Despite these security measures, WhatsApp has been criticized for certain privacy issues. One significant flaw is the sharing of messaging metadata with Facebook if you do not opt-out in the settings. This can link your WhatsApp profile with your Facebook profile, especially if you use the same phone number for both services.
Additionally, despite the efforts to improve security, links to chats are still accessible, and a new report suggests this is an intentional product decision by WhatsApp. However, group admins have the ability to invalidate these links if desired.
Facebook, the parent company of WhatsApp, has been merging the messaging service at the backend with Facebook Messenger and Instagram. This initiative aims to support end-to-end encryption and provide a seamless experience across platforms. However, many users and experts view this move as a cause for concern, given the vast amount of user data controlled by Facebook.
Alternatives to WhatsApp: Zangi
For those seeking more robust security, several alternatives to WhatsApp are available, with Zangi being a particularly noteworthy option. Zangi offers a secure and encrypted messaging and calling app, ensuring no data is stored on any servers.
Zangi Features and Advantages
Zangi provides three levels of encryption to secure calls, files, and messages, offering a high level of privacy and security. The app is GDPR-compliant, providing an additional layer of protection for user data.
Zangi is also designed with business users in mind, offering comprehensive business solutions. Unlike WhatsApp, which requires users to adapt their business practices to the platform, Zangi can be tailored to fit existing business protocols and branding, ensuring complete control over all communications.
For businesses, Zangi for Business offers fully secure and independent communication within a system set up on their own servers. This means that all calls, conferences, messages, and collaboration will be under the company's own name and branding, ensuring data stays within the company's control.
In contrast to Skype, which requires the backend system to be set up on the customer side and where applications belong to Skype, Zangi allows customers to acquire both back-end solutions and front-end applications, maintaining full control over their data and security.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp offers solid security features, it is not immune to privacy concerns. For those seeking a highly secure messaging and calling app, alternatives like Zangi provide a compelling solution, offering superior data privacy and control over communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is end-to-end encryption?
A1: End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the message content, with no intermediaries, including the messaging service provider, having access to the data.
Q2: Can WhatsApp be hacked?
A2: While WhatsApp implements strong security measures, no system is completely foolproof. However, end-to-end encryption significantly reduces the risk of messages being intercepted.
Q3: How does Zangi compare to WhatsApp for Business?
A3: Unlike WhatsApp for Business, which requires businesses to adapt their practices to the platform's interface, Zangi for Business can be tailored to fit existing business protocols and branding, ensuring complete control over all communications and data.