8 things you should never-ever do on WhatsApp

Meta-owned WhatsApp is the world’s most-popular instant messaging app. sharing status messages to group chats and calls, WhatsApp can get a lot of things done.

But the problem with WhatsApp is that there is no concept of sending friend requests first and the fact that almost anyone and everyone on your phone’s contact list can find you on WhatsApp.

Little doubt that it’s popularity has also made it a favourite of hackers and other anti-social elements.

The app is a regular target of social engineering attacks worldwide. Here are nine things that you should never ever do on WhatsApp.

Make sure you Hide your profile photo from those not on the contact list. In fact, WhatsApp now offers more options. Users now also have the option to hide their profile picture from all other WhatsApp users or selected contacts. This is done through Settings -> Privacy -> Profile Photo, with the choice to select ‘everyone,’ ‘nobody,’ or ‘my contacts.’

2. Sharing/forwarding information you are not sure of

Fake news travels fast, and WhatsApp can be a breeding ground for it. Always double-check information before sharing it, and stick to credible sources.

3. Don’t join group requests from strangers

Know the WhatsApp group you are joining. Never accept WhatsApp group requests from people/organisations you are not sure of. These days several Bitcoin and trading scams happen in WhatsApp groups.

4. Don’t add people to groups without permission

Respect your contacts’ privacy. Don’t add people to groups without their permission, and be mindful of what information you share about others.

5. Don’t get into those ‘lucky/unlucky’ chain Messages

Those endless “forward ten times for good luck” messages? Not only are they annoying, but they can clog up inboxes. Avoid perpetuating them.

6. Don’t click on links from unknown contacts or those promising free gifts/rewards

Be wary of messages promising free gifts or claiming you’re a winner in a contest you never entered. Don’t click on suspicious links or share personal information — both from contacts as well as those not in contact list.

Enable two-step verification for your WhatsApp account. Also, always keep your phone’s software updated for the latest security patches and software updates. This involves adding an extra step when you log in to your account. In most cases, this is a security code generated by an app, a code sent via SMS.

Make sure you always download WhatsApp from official app stores — Google Play Store for Android phones and Apple App Store for iPhones. Similarly, never download modded versions of WhatsApp that promise extra features.