In an era where instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, iMessage, Viber, and WeChat dominate personal and professional communication, digital privacy and security have never been more critical.
To help users keep their accounts secure and private, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have shared 12 simple yet effective tips for safe messaging practices. Here’s a roundup of their advice:
Why it matters: Two-factor authentication is a powerful barrier against account hacks and SIM-swapping attacks.
What to do: Turn on 2FA in your app’s security settings. Create a strong, secret password, and store it securely in a trusted password manager if needed.
Why it matters: Scammers often trick users into sharing OTPs to hijack accounts.
What to do: Treat OTPs as confidential — no legitimate party will ever ask you for them.
Why it matters: Scammers use deceptive QR codes to link their devices to your account.
What to do: Only scan QR codes within the messaging app itself and carefully read prompts before accepting any actions.
Why it matters: Scammers may impersonate friends, colleagues, or loved ones to manipulate you.
What to do: Verify claims from new contacts by asking specific questions or confirming their identity via other channels, like a phone call or email.
Why it matters: Blocking spammers and scammers prevents them from contacting you again and protects others from similar threats.
What to do: Do not hesitate to block or report suspicious users. This also works for avoiding unwanted interactions with known individuals.
Why it matters: Compromised accounts may send malicious links that aim to steal your data or extort money.
What to do: Avoid opening unsolicited links, file attachments, or dubious requests, even if they come from someone you know. Confirm via another channel if you’re unsure.
Why it matters: Prevent unauthorized access to your chats in case your phone falls into the wrong hands.
What to do: Enable screen locks (Face ID, PIN, or fingerprint) and activate App Lock features within your messaging app.
Why it matters: Message previews on a locked screen can reveal sensitive information to onlookers.
What to do: Disable message previews in your phone’s notification settings for added privacy.
Why it matters: Temporary messages reduce the chance of sensitive data being exposed if a chat is compromised.
What to do: Use disappearing messages or one-time view options for sensitive info like passwords or addresses. Delete old messages manually if needed.
Why it matters: Even private, temporary messages can be screenshotted or shared maliciously.
What to do: Refrain from sharing anything that could hurt or embarrass you if leaked, including explicit photos or sensitive personal details.
Why it matters: Not all members of a group chat may be trustworthy, even if you know the person who added them.
What to avoid: Avoid sharing private information, such as your phone number or address, in large group chats.
Why it matters: Publicly visible details like profile pictures and last seen status can be exploited by strangers or scammers.
What to do: Adjust privacy settings to restrict who can view your data, opting for “My Contacts” or “Nobody.”
By following these Kaspersky-recommended tips, users can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim to scams, hacking attempts, or privacy breaches while using messaging apps. As online threats continue to evolve, staying vigilant and proactive remains the best defense.
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