As of: April 5, 2024, 6:19 p.m
By: Bjarne Kommnick, Sandra Sporer
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Like end-to-end encryption for messages, this WhatsApp feature also ensures more security. © Imago Images
WhatsApp does a lot to guarantee user safety. However, one of the functions has to be switched on with a few clicks.
Frankfurt – In an emergency, you can send one or two passwords on WhatsApp. Or even an image that is not intended for the eyes of third parties. This makes it all the more important that data security is guaranteed. This is guaranteed within the chats by end-to-end encryption. However, a new EU regulation could endanger this security. Another security feature that WhatsApp offers must be activated separately.
Only a few people know about the important security function of WhatsApp
In fact, only a few people know about it, although WhatsApp always provides very transparent information about all innovations and updates. It's about end-to-end encryption of backups.
On its own website, WhatsApp explains: “End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and the person you are communicating with can read or listen to what has been sent - and no one in between, not even WhatsApp.” However, to make messages more secure, users do not need to change any settings.
Encrypt backups – this is how users can activate the important WhatsApp function
The situation with backups is different. Here too, users can use end-to-end encryption. However, they have to take action themselves. And that is how it works:
Tap Settings > Chats > Chat backup.
Tap End-to-end encrypted backup.
Tap Turn on and follow the instructions to create a password or 64-digit encryption key.
Tap Create or Generate.
If a user has forgotten their backup encryption password but still has access to WhatsApp, they can restore encrypted backups using the device pin or gadgets such as facial recognition or Touch ID. WhatsApp itself cannot send the password to the user, reset it or restore the backup.
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If the additional function for WhatsApp backup is activated, videos etc. are encrypted
The company explains: "If you have device backups enabled for your entire iPhone, your WhatsApp chat history will be excluded from device backups after you turn on end-to-end encrypted backups." Personal photos, videos and files are additionally encrypted when stored in iCloud or Google Drive.
While WhatsApp backups used to be free, you now have to pay for this service. (
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