FACEBOOK has started added end-to-end encrypted backups to WhatsApp.
This means you could finally fix a ‘security loophole’ that experts have criticised for years.
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Your WhatsApp messages on the app have been end-to-end encrypted for five years but if you backed them up to a different location then the encryption was outside of WhatsApp’s control.
This is all about to change.
Facebook, which owns WhatsApp explained: “Starting today, we are making available an extra, optional layer of security to protect backups stored on Google Drive or iCloud with end-to-end encryption.
“No other global messaging service at this scale provides this level of security for their users’ messages, media, voice messages, video calls and chat backups.
“You can now secure your end-to-end encrypted backup with either a password of your choice or a 64-digit encryption key that only you know.
“Neither WhatsApp nor your backup service provider will be able to read your backups or access the key required to unlock it.”
This feature will be rolling out slowly for anyone with the latest version of WhatsApp.
How to turn on WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups
Make sure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp and then go to Settings.
Click Chats, Chat Backup and then End-to-end Encrypted Backup.
Click continue and then follow the prompts to create a password or a 64-digit encryption key.
Then, click Done.
Before you do this, bear in mind that you won’t be able to restore your chats if you forget your new pin or password.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
