WhatsApp is everywhere—from family chats to business dealings. It boasts more than 2 billion users and markets itself as a fortress for private communication, thanks to WhatsApp security via “end-to-end encryption.” But regular headlines about hacks and scams make many wonder: is WhatsApp really safe and secure as it claims? Should you be concerned? Here’s what we uncovered.
Inside WhatsApp’s Security Shield
At its core, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption means that only you and the intended recipient can read your messages. Each text, photo, call, and video is scrambled into unreadable code the moment you hit send, and only the recipient’s phone can unscramble it. Even WhatsApp itself can’t see the content.
On top of this, WhatsApp now lets users secure their backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud. There’s also an optional two-step verification PIN and the ability to lock the app with a fingerprint or face scan.
So, Why Do Hackers Still Succeed?
Despite these digital defenses, cybercriminals continue to break into accounts—sometimes without touching the encryption at all. Here’s how they breaches the WhatsApp security:
- First, there are social engineering scams. One popular tactic involves tricking users to reveal their WhatsApp verification code. If a hacker gets your code, they can hijack your account, lock you out, and message your contacts as you.
- Next is SIM swapping. In this scheme, a hacker convinces your mobile carrier to activate your number on a new SIM card they control. Once that happens, they can access your WhatsApp and many other services tied to your phone number.
- Then, there are advanced spyware attacks. Notorious tools like Pegasus can infect smartphones without users clicking anything. Once inside, these programs can spy on messages before they’re even encrypted—a threat most users aren’t likely to face, but it’s a chilling reminder that no app is completely “unhackable”.
- Another vulnerability is unprotected backups. If you haven’t turned on encrypted backups, your chat history in the cloud could be vulnerable—exposed to hackers who breach cloud storage accounts or obtained by authorities with a warrant.
- AndroRAT for android devices. Beyond these targeted attacks, a common threat to WhatsApp users comes from malware like AndroRAT (Android Remote Administration Tool). AndroRAT is a malicious program hackers hide inside seemingly harmless apps. Once installed, it gives attackers full remote control of your Android phone.
How Does This Affect WhatsApp Security?
AndroRAT can access everything on your phone—including WhatsApp data—by doing things like capturing your screen, reading notifications, recording audio, or even stealing stored WhatsApp chat files if your phone is rooted. It exploits Android system features to read whatever appears on your screen or stored in your device, bypassing WhatsApp’s encryption protections at the app level because the malware controls the device itself.
This means even if WhatsApp is very secure, your phone’s security matters just as much. If malware controls your device, it can spy on all your apps, including WhatsApp.
Finally, while WhatsApp can’t read your chats, it does gather meta who you talk to, when, and how often. While this isn’t message content, it paints a detailed picture of your social life.
What Can You Do To Stay Safe?
Great security isn’t just about technology—it’s also about habits. Here’s WhatsApp safety tips every user should follow in 2025:
- Turn on two-step verification to add a PIN that prevents account takeovers—even if someone gets your SIM or verification code.
- Be stingy with codes. Never, ever share your WhatsApp verification code, even with someone claiming to be a friend or WhatsApp support.
- Control your privacy by limiting who sees your last seen, profile photo, and about information in WhatsApp privacy
- Encrypt your backups by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup > End-to-End Encrypted Backup, and follow the prompts to secure your stored chats.
- Keep your app and your phone’s operating system updated to get the latest WhatsApp security updates.
- Check linked devices regularly by reviewing which devices are logged into your WhatsApp (Settings > Linked Devices) and signing out any you don’t recognize.
- Lock your phone and WhatsApp by using a strong phone password, enabling biometric authentication, and setting app-lock features if available.
- Be wary in groups and avoid accepting group invites from people you don’t trust—scammers use groups to target new victims.
- Only install from the official Apps Google Play Store, not third-party stores or links. Be wary of apps requesting excessive permissions (especially for accessibility, SMS, contacts, recordings, etc.). Although iPhones are considered much safer for these intrusions.
If You Get Hacked
Act fast by logging out all linked devices, resetting your WhatsApp two-step verification PIN, and alerting friends and family not to trust suspicious messages from your account. For suspected spyware infections, update your device, run a trusted antivirus scan, or consider a full reset.
Good to Remember
WhatsApp security is strong for an average person—if, and only if, you use its best security features. No platform is immune in spotting WhatsApp scams or state-level hacking tools, but by taking a few minutes with your settings and following smart habits, you can make your personal information and conversations much safer.
So—WhatsApp is safe, but only as safe as the settings you choose and the caution you practice. In today’s digital world, it pays to think before you tap.
About Cyber CharchaTM
Channel Technologies recently launched CT Cyber CharchaTM — a brand-agnostic platform dedicated to thought leadership in emerging technologies like cybersecurity, AI, digital transformation, blockchain, and more. We launched this brand earlier this year (Feb 2025) with a hybrid conference in IIT Delhi. The event was a huge success, and we had some great industry leaders as speakers and participants from the cybersecurity domain.
Under this, we have some other initiatives like conferences, webinars, Cyber Charcha Shots (a bite-sized video series featuring industry experts), and the newest, guest blogging.
Till now, we have brought together industry leaders from Microsoft, EY, Paytm, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, Accenture, Marks and Spencer, and many more.
For more details visit Cyber CharchaTM
