WhatsApp 30-second hack: How to keep your account safe

WhatsApp introduced WhatsApp Web last year to enable users to operate the messenger platform using their computers.

The desktop version basically mirrors the smartphone and can be connected using a QR Code.

The messages sent and received are fully synced both on the smartphone as well as the computer. Users can see, and download the content on both devices.

WhatsApp web is available for users of Android, iPhone 8.1+, Windows Phone 8.0 and 8.1, Nokia S60, Nokia S40 EVO, BlackBerry and BlackBerry 10 smartphones.

WhatsApp releases new desktop app for Windows, Mac

A UAE-based NGO working on creating awareness of dangers posed by unregulated internet usage among children has raised concerns about the safety of WhatsApp messenger claiming that it just takes 30 seconds for someone sitting in front of a computer else to borrow you smartphone and log into your messenger.

WhatsApp safety compromised in 30 secs: UAE NGO wants action [video]

While it is true that users need not know instantly when their WhatsApp accounts are connected to a computer, it is indeed possible for anyone to discover the status of their connection by clicking on WhatsApp Web on the messenger.

One needs to use the same shortcuts used to log in on various platforms and find a notification that the messenger is connected to a Windows or a Mac PC.

Here's how you can log into the feature using various platforms:

Open WhatsApp on your phone.

On Android: in the Chats screen > Menu > WhatsApp Web.

On Nokia S60 and Windows Phone: go to Menu > WhatsApp Web.

On iPhone: go to Settings > WhatsApp Web.

On BlackBerry: go to Chats > Menu > WhatsApp Web.

On BlackBerry 10: Swipe down from top of the screen > WhatsApp Web.

On Nokia S40: Swipe up from bottom of screen > WhatsApp Web.

Users will then be able to find a link below that will enable them to log out of all connected devices instantly.

While the introduction of WhatsApp Web made it easy for a user to use the messenger on a browser, it has also opened up multiple security issues.

Last September, security firm Check Point discovered a bug and had reported that almost 200 million computers were at risk of being hacked because of security vulnerabilities in WhatsApp Web.

The bug was eventually fixed and WhatsApp pushed a new update fixing the security gap.

WhatsApp, meanwhile, has published detailed safety tips on securing the messenger and it can be found here:

Earlier this year, WhatsApp also introduced end-to-end encryption (https://www.whatsapp.com/faq/en/general/28030015) but that does not prevent anyone from accessing your messages via WhatsApp Web using the method shown in the video.

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