This WhatsApp setting can make you a victim of hackers, turn this off immediately!
Crores of people around the world use WhatsApp for photo-video sharing and messaging. WhatsApp actively upgrades security and privacy from time to time, but sometimes even a small negligence can trick users into the trap of hackers.
If you are also keeping this setting of WhatsApp on, then you should turn it off immediately, otherwise, your data may get hacked and the risk of cyber-attack on the phone may increase.
How does the risk increase?
Cybercriminals often target people by sending fake links, virus-infected files or spyware. If the ‘auto-download media’ feature is turned on in your WhatsApp, any spyware or virus-infected file can be downloaded without your permission. This can give access to hackers to all the data on your phone, which can lead to banking fraud, data theft and other cyber-attacks.
Disable this WhatsApp setting immediately
If you want to keep your WhatsApp safe, then turn this feature off immediately by following the steps given below.
- Open WhatsApp.
- Click the three dots (⋮) at the top right of the screen.
- Select the Settings option.
- Go to the Chats section.
- Turn off the Media Visibility toggle.
What will happen if I turn off this feature?
- No files, photos or videos received on WhatsApp will be downloaded without your permission.
- Your phone will be safe from malicious data/files and viruses.
- Your data will be protected from unwanted access, keeping your personal chats and media safe.
This feature of WhatsApp looks good but can be dangerous from the cyber security point of view. So, if you have kept the media visibility feature on till now, then turn it off immediately.
Conclusion
If you receive any link or file on your WhatsApp, you should always avoid clicking on it, until you are confirmed about the link. You should first check the number from which the file has come. Because many times, WhatsApp may also contain links that trap you, which can land you in trouble.
ALSO READ: WhatsApp Set to Add Social Media Links to Profiles – Here’s What You Need to Know
