Stay Secure: Top Cybersecurity Tips for Online Messaging Apps
As social media evolves, so have the types of applications and websites that people use to communicate with one another. Messaging apps like GroupMe and WhatsApp allow users to create and join group chats for easy communication and collaboration. Whether you’re keeping in touch with overseas family members or hosting a chat for your advertising class, it’s critical to remain cautious online. Before joining that chat, keep these cybersecurity tips in mind when using group messaging apps.
- Enable two-factor authentication
While it may seem obvious, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) is an effective way to protect your WhatsApp account. When using 2FA, you must verify your phone number and a six-digit PIN you created to ensure that you’re the one logging into your account. Remember, avoid using your birthday or any personally identifiable information when choosing your PIN.
- Stay vigilant in group chats
Many organizations on campus use GroupMe to communicate with current and prospective members about upcoming meetings and events. However, these group chats are typically unprotected and allow anyone to join. While this is convenient for those interested in joining, it also leaves the chat vulnerable to scammers. One of the most common scams currently involves someone attempting to sell concert tickets and requesting that you contact them via a random phone number. These users often lack a profile picture on GroupMe and just join the group prior to posting their message. If you are a group member, do not click on or call the phone number provided in the comment. If you are a group host, remove them from the group immediately. You may want to consider using group permissions to control who can join the group to prevent spam.
- Manage privacy settings
You can manage your privacy settings directly in the WhatsApp app by going to “Settings” and then selecting “Privacy”. Here, you can choose who can see the last time you were online, your profile photo, and live status.
- Be wary of links and attachments
Be cautious of random links and attachments sent to a WhatsApp or GroupMe chat. Scammers typically use these to spread malware or phishing attempts. Before clicking on any link, hover over it to see the URL, and verify its legitimacy. If in doubt, it's best to ask the sender directly or avoid clicking altogether.
These handy tips are important to keep in mind when utilizing online messaging apps like GroupMe and WhatsApp. For more ways you can stay safe online, visit the ITS cybersecurity website.
