In today’s connected world, WhatsApp is one of the tools used by millions of people all over the world. Now, with Whatsapp Web, you can view messages on a desktop or laptop! (Not just if you don’t have a smartphone with you). Whatsapp Web has some privacy and security issues if you use it on a public computer. You pay for those privacy and security issues, but at a cost to you. Here’s how you can keep yourself as private as possible while still enjoying the best experience on a public computer.
Know the dangers of using WhatsApp Web on public computers
Before you even know what are the best practices you have to know what are the possible risks of using WhatsApp网页版 on a public computer ( You have quite a lot of users in the computer, probably there will be malicious software on the computer ( such as keyloggers and anything else spyware to track your session) and if you don’t log off properly the next person who has access to the computer could see your messages and your personal data.
Always Use Incognito or Private Browsing Mode
One of the easiest ways to keep your privacy in check while you’re using the Whatsapp Web on a public computer is to use your browser’s incognito/private browsing feature. Incognito lets your browser wipe out all of your history, cookies, and cached data after you close your web session with the browser. With private browsing, it helps keep the person using the computer less likely to access your Web session on the WhatsApp Web later on and pull out anything about you.
Avoid Saving Passwords or Enabling Auto-Login
Always refuse by the browser/computer prompt to save passwords and/or auto-login (if you’re using a public or shared computer). It is possible for others to copy your login details and access your WhatsApp Web session by means of the device to which you were previously connected. The fact that browsers store information about what you were doing can have an adverse effect on your account privacy.
Verify Active Sessions Regularly
WhatsApp Web makes it easy for the user to check existing sessions (if any, set up in their accounts) from the mobile app. You should schedule routinely to check such sessions (to ensure that there is no device connected to WhatsApp you don’t know about), and in case you find any unknown sessions you can immediately log them out remotely (from your mobile), deleting them.
Enable Two-Step Verification for Added Security
Also you can enable two-step verification for extra protection when you are using WhatsApp Web. Yes, you will get an additional layer of security, it will ask you to enter a PIN when you reset your mobile number using WhatsApp, so even if someone does try to get into your account through WhatsApp Web on a public computer there would be another barrier in place, which will make your account even more secure.
Be Cautious About What You Share and Open
Public computers are not 100% secure so be very careful what you send and click on WhatsApp Web. Don’t share personal information or click on links from people who you don’t have a personal contact with because these could be malicious programs or people with whom you have a personal connection. If you think of any suspicious activity, close (or change) your WhatsApp password from your phone right away.
Use a VPN for Enhanced Privacy
Assuming you have downloaded a good VPN (Virtual Private Network) to use on such public computers, it will help you encrypt your internet traffic in order to secure your data from eavesdropping. Note if you frequent visit the WhatsApp Web via public networks, create a VPN before you log into the WhatsApp Web as it will act like a second layer of security against network snooping and will safeguard your chats and files on the WhatsApp Web.
Conclusion
It’s been proven to be one of the best ways to stay connected while your phone is offline, but If you are at your workplace or shopping in a public place, then it is time you practice safe and responsible Web usage habits. For this you have to remember to always use privacy friendly modes of surfing, log out with security, never save passwords and always look for what are your current sessions. You can always enable two-step verification mode for this and also consider a VPN as an extra layer of security. The above best practices should give you the pleasure of secure, safe web use on any shared or public computer.
