We share a lot of information with our family, friends, and co-workers via messaging apps installed on our Android phones. While not all of our messages contain sensitive information, many are private. Most communication apps have built-in security standards to keep this data from leaking. Still, not all apps offer the same functionality or security.
That’s why you should take steps to improve the security of your favorite messaging app, whether it’s WhatsApp, Signal, or Google Messages. While each app has its own set of security features, taking a few extra minutes to adjust specific settings can reduce risks.
Related
10 Telegram tips for safe and secure chats
Minimize security risks and increase your privacy on Telegram
7 Check if the app uses E2EE
An easy way to ensure solid security
End-to-end encryption means any data you share within a chat turns into unreadable code that third parties can’t decipher. Your device and the device of the person you’re chatting with are the only ones that hold the keys to decrypt and access the messages. Employees working at the messaging company can’t snoop on your conversations or turn the data over to advertisers or authorities.
Not all instant messengers use end-to-end encryption for chats. Some messaging apps like Telegram offer it as an option if you use the Secret Chat feature. Likewise, Google Messages supports end-to-end encryption for RCS chats. If you use a messaging app that doesn’t use end-to-end encryption, consider switching to something more secure.
6 Send self-deleting/disappearing messages
Not all messages need to be a part of your chat history
Even if you use a secure messaging app, the messages tend to stay in the recipient’s chat history indefinitely. That is, unless you send a self-deleting message.
When you share something sensitive, like your login details or financial information, send a self-deleting message so it automatically disappears. Most messaging apps with this feature allow you to choose how long your message stays visible to the recipient. When that time is up, the message disappears from the recipient’s and your chat history.
However, this isn’t a perfect solution. The recipient could grab a quick screenshot of your message or make a note of the information you shared. Still, activating it can reduce the chances of sensitive data getting leaked or staying visible longer than necessary.
5 Update your messaging app’s software
Outdated apps pose a serious security threat
If it’s been a while since you updated your messaging app, you’re likely missing out on the latest security patch. Developers release regular updates to fix known vulnerabilities and patch bugs. So, enabling auto-updates or manually installing an update as soon as possible is a great way to keep threats at bay. Even messaging apps with the best security features can become risky to use in the long run if you don’t update the software.
While you’re at it, check which operating system your phone runs. Many apps, including messaging apps, rely on your phone’s OS version to work as intended. If your phone runs on outdated software, the messaging app might stop working correctly or become incompatible.
4 Lock conversations
Out of sight, out of reach
Your messaging app might be extremely secure, but what happens if someone with access to your phone views your chats? Sometimes, the best thing you can do to improve the security of your messaging app is lock individual chats.
You don’t have to lock every conversation. However, if you have any that include personal details, use the lock feature. Messaging apps like WhatsApp make this easy. For instance, you can set up a secret code to lock your chat on WhatsApp for added security. If you use an alternative messaging app, check if it has a similar feature to keep your messages hidden.
3 Check your privacy settings
Keep your online activity and personal details private
Source: Meta
Messaging apps usually let you control how much of your personal information is visible to others. For instance, on WhatsApp, your contacts could see your profile photo, online status, last seen time, read receipts, and more. Your profile photo and those temporary stories, in particular, might reveal a lot about you. Bad actors might use them without your consent.
While this information can be helpful, it also gives away a lot about your online activity. If you feel that your contacts have excessive visibility into your messaging habits and details, look at your privacy settings. You might want to hide some details completely or limit who has access to them.
2 Back up your chats
It can come in handy if you lose your phone
It’s important to back up your chats if you don’t want to lose access to your conversations. It’s not enough to turn on auto backups. It’s as, if not more important, that you know what you are backing up and where you can find those backups when the need arises.
Also, encrypt your chat backups for additional security. This way, if someone gains access to your backup files, they can’t decipher the information. Since the reason for backing up your chats is to ensure smooth recovery of your data if you lose your phone or perform a factory reset, make it a habit to periodically check that you’re restoring backup files without any hiccups.
1 Set up an app lock
A simple yet effective hack
Another effective way to improve the security of your messaging app is to set up an app lock. Anyone who accesses your phone must bypass your main lock screen and your app lock to view your chats. The downside is that not all messaging apps have this feature. However, this can be a simple way to boost the security of the messaging app.
Finally, secure devices with access to the same messaging app as your phone. For instance, if Telegram is open on your laptop, lock your laptop when it’s not in use so no one can access or download your chats through your laptop. It’s also a good idea to enable anti-theft features on your phone. This way, your data remains safe even if someone steals your phone.
Related
6 features WhatsApp needs to make it the perfect messaging app
WhatsApp is the most popular messaging app, but it isn’t the best
Using a secure instant messaging platform and adjusting settings to make it safer are essential steps. Still, your data can be at risk unless you’re careful about what you share and with whom you share it. When dealing with sensitive data, you’re best delivering the information face-to-face. Also, adjust your phone’s security settings to give your messaging app and the data within it an additional layer of security. Ultimately, a secure phone is essential for complete privacy.
