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WhatsApp
USER MANUAL
WhatsApp is huge. Since its release in February
2009, it’s grown to become the world’s most popular
messaging application. It has over two billion users
worldwide, in over 180 countries.

It’s also free. You can use it to send text, audio and
video messages, make calls and even create
groups. The data is sent over your regular Internet
connection, so there are no call charges. What’s
more, it’s available on iPhone, Android, Windows
and macOS, so whatever platform your friends
and family use, there’s bound to be a WhatsApp
for them.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s delve into the

world of WhatsApp, and take a look at what this
amazing application can offer.

M a s te r yo u r te c h @ w w w. p c l p u b l i c a ti o n s .c o m
Contents
WHATSAPP USER MANUAL

Introduction to and
6
History of WhatsApp
8 What is WhatsApp?
10 The History of WhatsApp

Beyond
38
the Basics
40 Exploring the Settings
42 Your Profile
44 Privacy
46 Security
47 Two-step Verification
48 Change Number
Getting Started, 49 Delete My Account
12
Installation & Basic Use 50 Chat Settings
14 Installing WhatsApp on Android 52 Notifications
15 Fake WhatsApp Warning 54 Data & Storage Usage
16 Installing WhatsApp on an iPhone 56 Help Center
17 Jailbroken iPhones 58 Update Your Status
18 Installing WhatsApp on a PC 60 Editing Images in WhatsApp
20 Installing WhatsApp on a Mac 62 Understanding Emojis
22 WhatsApp on Android 64 Watching YouTube Clips in
24 WhatsApp on iOS WhatsApp
26 WhatsApp on the Desktop
28 Setting Up Your Profile Useful
66
30 How to Add Friends and Contacts Accessories
32 Sending Your First Message 68 WhatsApp Wallpaper
34 How to Send Images Over 69 Nature HD Wallpaper
WhatsApp for iPhone
36 How to Make Voice and 70 Emoticons and Emoji Stickers
Video Calls for WhatsApp

4 | www.pclpublications.com
 CONTENTS

@pclpubs PCL Publications www.pclpublications.com >>>

WhatsApp Security
94
for Guardians
96 WhatsApp Issues
98 Steps to Help Protect Users
100 Cyberbullying
102 Social Engineering
104 Staying Safe on WhatsApp
106 Watch Out for Scams
108 Phone Home…
110 What is a VPN?
112 What is Encryption?
114 How Can a VPN Further Secure
WhatsApp?
116 Factoid: The Good, The Bad &
Advanced Hacks, Tips The Ugly
72
and Tricks for WhatsApp
74 Pin Chats
75 Delete Chats
76 Mute Chats
77 Archive Chats
78 WhatsApp Desktop Options
80 Block Contact
81 Report Spam
82
84
Creating a Group
New Broadcast FREE
86 Formatting Text eBOOK
87 Quote Messages DOWNLOAD
88 How to Secure Yourself on Worth £9.99
WhatsApp (US $12.00)
90 WhatsApp Channels See page 118
90 joining Communites for details
92 Text Language Glossary

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 INTRODUCTION

6 | www.pclpublications.com
Introduction
to and
History of
WhatsApp
WhatsApp didn’t become the world’s
biggest communication platform
overnight, and nor did it grow so
popular without giving people what
they want. A success such as this is
bound to have a story behind it, and this
is what we look at here.
What can the app do for you, and
how did it grow from nothing into the
Meta-owned giant that it is today? Let’s
take an in-depth look at WhatsApp, its
capabilities and its history

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 INTRODUCTION

What is WhatsApp?
In just 15 years, WhatsApp has grown into one of the most used
messaging apps available. With a user base of over two billion,
and growing; WhatsApp shows no sign of slowing down.

t its heart, WhatsApp is simply a free to

A use cross-platform instant messaging
service. However, to its many users the app
is much more than just a means of keeping
in touch. The WhatsApp phenomenon has
spread throughout the social media digital
world, offering the end user a safe and secure
platform in which to communicate.

There are examples of people using

WhatsApp to help inform police and security
services of crime as it happens, enabling
better lines of communication with the public
and law enforcement as well as gathering of
evidence against a perpetrator. People have
used WhatsApp to record geological events
such as erupting volcanoes, earthquakes,
tornadoes and other such catastrophes.

SMS NO MORE?
In the UK alone, the number of SMS
messages sent has radically dropped
from 150 billion in 2011 to around
around 41 billion in 2021. Many factors
influence this but one suspect is the
wide use of WhatsApp, much to the
annoyance of the mobile companies.

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 WHAT IS WHATSAPP?

Thanks to WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption

and high standards of security, users can
talk, send attachments, images and videos
without fear of being watched or monitored
by government agencies and the like. Users in
countries where external communications are
heavily restricted have managed to send word
to the outside world of what’s going on and
helped us all become aware of foreign politics
and human rights issues.

WhatsApp recently released a business

version of the app, allowing companies to
provide customer services and help to users
on a far larger scale than previously thought.
See https://business.whatsapp.com for details.

So WhatsApp really is much more than a

simple messaging app. Its beauty lies in the
fact that it can be used by just two people
talking to each other or by thousands of
people around the world trying to make
everyone’s lives better. Whoever you are,
and wherever you are, using WhatsApp can
help you connect and become a part of
something bigger.

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 INTRODUCTION

The History of
WhatsApp
From humble beginnings, WhatsApp has grown exponentially
thanks to its ease of use and excellent features. However, it
wasn’t an easy climb to the top of the messaging charts for this
remarkable app. Let’s see how it has grown over the years.

hatsApp was launched in January 2009

W by two former Yahoo! developers, Brian
Acton and Jan Koum. After the pair left
Yahoo! in September 2007 they
spent some time travelling and,
as Internet rumour has it,
frequently found it difficult
to stay in touch reliably
with friends and family.

Once they returned

home they applied
for a number of
jobs, one of which
was at Facebook
HQ. Sadly, or
rather thankfully,
they were turned
down and about
that time Koum,
living off his saving
from Yahoo!,
purchased an iPhone
and immediately saw
the app industry as the
way forward.

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 THE HISTORY OF WHATSAPP

Papercut Ltd

Brian Acton and Jan Koum testing the latest mobile technology

oum began exploring the possibility of dropping the $1 annual subscription it had
K developing an app that would allow mobile
users to interact and communicate with each
historically charged.

other better than with what was currently Video calls were soon added, followed by
available. Teaming up with Acton, they began group video and voice calls. WhatsApp was
to develop the foundation of WhatsApp, which growing from a simple text messenger to
was to sound like ‘What’s up’. an all-round Internet-based communication
tool. The app came to both Windows PCs
It was a rocky start for the app, as frequent and Apple Macs too, but surprisingly, there’s
crashes and failures made the development never been a dedicated WhatsApp iPad app.
process difficult to gain ground. With every
negative impact, Acton’s encouragement In 2017, WhatsApp began trialling a
helped the duo ride out the storms and finally business edition, allowing companies to
release the app to a welcome audience. provide customer service through the
app. The first to take advantage was the
With financial help to the tune of $250,000 Dutch airline KLM, offering customers
the now growing team of WhatsApp booking confirmation, check-in notification,
developers took the app from an audience of boarding passes, flight status updates
just dozens to over 200 million by the end of and an enquiries platform in ten different
2012. This staggering growth certainly gained languages.
a lot of attention and shortly after, Facebook
became interested in buying WhatsApp. New features are added all the time. In 2021,
In 2014 Facebook (who originally turned Acton we got picture and video messages that
and Koum away when they applied for jobs) disappear after being viewed once. In 2022
bought WhatsApp for the princely sum of $19 reacting to messages with any emoji was
billion, not a bad investment if you were one of added, and the following year came the
the few to originally support WhatsApp. ability to edit messages up to 15 minutes
after sending, a relaunched Mac app and hi-
In 2016 Facebook announced that def photos and videos. WhatsApp is going
WhatsApp would be free to install and use, from strength to strength.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

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 INDEX

Getting
Started,
Installation
& Basic Use
If you want to get to grips with
WhatsApp, you must first install the
app. Here we show you how to do so, on
the iPhone, on Android phones and on
Windows and Mac computer platforms.
When you’ve installed the app, you need
to set up your WhatsApp profile and add
some contacts with whom you wish to
communicate. When you’re ready, it’s time
to send your first message, followed by
your first picture message and voice and
video calls. We show you how.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Installing WhatsApp
on Android
Installing WhatsApp on to your Android phone is, thankfully, a
straightforward process. There are two ways in which you can
install the app, we cover both here.

The first and more obvious installation With the WhatsApp page on the Play
1 method is to tap on the Play Store icon
on your phone and in the search bar along
2 Store open, tap on the Install button and
the process will begin. Some phones already
the top enter: WhatsApp. Tap on the correct have a version of WhatsApp preinstalled
search listing, the one with the WhatsApp by the manufacturer. You will know if yours
logo next to it, and you’re taken to the is one such device as the display shows
relevant page on the Google Play Store. Update and Open buttons. From here it’s
recommended to tap Update.

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 INSTALLING WHATSAPP ON ANDROID

FAKE WHATSAPP WARNING

Be wary of installing WhatsApp from
anywhere else but the official Google Play
Store. There have been instances of a fake
version of WhatsApp being made available
through less reputable sites. These versions
can carry viruses or spyware designed to
monitor your device.

Once the update or install has finished The second method is to visit the
3 you will be left with an Open button and
Uninstall one if you prefer to remove it; you
4 WhatsApp webpage www.whatsapp.
com. From here you can tap on the Supplied
may not be able to remove a preinstalled link that will redirect you to the Google Play
version. Tap Open to launch WhatsApp. Store and the previous steps.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Installing WhatsApp
on an iPhone
Just like the Android version, WhatsApp for iPhone is really
straight forward to install. Just make sure you’re logged into your
Apple account beforehand.

Unlock your iPhone and locate the App With the App Store app open, tap the
1 Store icon from the front screen (or
wherever you keep it). You may need to login
2 Search button. When the on-screen
keyboard appears, enter ‘WhatsApp’ into the
using your Apple id if you haven’t already search field. Tap the Search button on the
done so. on-screen keyboard and you’re taken to the
WhatsApp listing.

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 INSTALLING WHATSAPP ON AN IPHONE

JAILBROKEN iPHONES
While it’s more difficult to install a fake
app on an iPhone than an Android device,
be wary that jailbroken iPhones can be
vulnerable to fake applications. If your
iPhone is unlocked, still use the official
Apple version of WhatsApp over another
site’s version.

All you need do now is tap the Install Finally, tap the Open button to launch
3 button on the WhatsApp page to begin
the installation process. When the install is
4 WhatsApp and start the signing in and
creating a new account steps. You can also
complete the WhatsApp entry on the App complete the installation process via the
Store will update with an Open button. WhatsApp website, as with the Android
version, where you’re taken directly to its
entry in the iTunes Store.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Installing WhatsApp
on a PC
Due to the differences in the platform, from mobile to desktop,
installing WhatsApp on a PC isn’t going to be the same process.
However, it’s just as easy. All you need to do is ensure that you
have permission to install programs to the PC beforehand and
you’re running Windows 8 or higher.

To begin with you

1 need to visit the
WhatsApp website,
specifically the Download
section: www.whatsapp.
com/download. Here
you can see the screen
split into two sections:
the left side for mobile
devices and the right for
desktop systems. Click
the Green Download for
Windows (64-bit) button
to continue.

After clicking the

2 button you’ll be
asked to Save the file
to your desktop, do
so and wait for it to
download. You can find
the program executable
in the Downloads folder
of your home area on
the PC. Just double-
click the WhatsApp
Setup program to start
the installation.

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 INSTALLING WHATSAPP ON A PC

QR CODE SCANNING
If you’re unfamiliar with a QR Code, it means
Quick Response Code and is a more complex
form of a barcode. A QR Code can hold far
more information than a traditional barcode
and can be used to automatically take you to
a website or activate an app such as in this
case, with WhatsApp for the PC.

The install is a little

3 different to most
other apps you may
have downloaded in the
past. After a short while
WhatsApp asks you to
scan a QR code with
your phone’s version of
WhatsApp. You will need
to open WhatsApp, tap
on the three vertical dots
in the top right, followed
by WhatsApp Web.

There are full

4 instructions
on the WhatsApp
mobile version as to
how to scan the QR
code and once it has
successfully recognised
it, the PC version will
automatically be loaded
up, complete with your
account information
and contacts.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Installing WhatsApp
on a Mac
Installing the desktop version of WhatsApp onto a Mac is done
similarly to the PC version. To begin with, ensure you have the
relevant permissions to be able to install programs to the Mac
and have your mobile device handy with the WhatsApp app
already installed.

Open your web

1 browser and go to
www.whatsapp.com/
download. The site
looks at your machine
and recommends the
version of WhatsApp to
download, offering a link
in the centre of the page.
Click this to download
the app.

Once the
2 WhatsApp.dmg file is
downloaded it will appear
in the Downloads folder
in the Dock. Expand
Downloads and click
on the file to start the
installation. After a short
time you will be presented
with the WhatsApp
Installer window; simply
drag the WhatsApp icon
over to the Application
folder icon.

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 INSTALLING WHATSAPP ON A MAC

NO FAKES FOR MACS

Thankfully macOS is a more stringent
operating system than that of Windows.
While the wall-gardened approach to
macOS may infuriate some, it does have
the advantage of not allowing fake apps,
or those that carry potential threats,
through to the core system. However,
be careful as Internet-borne threats are
continually evolving.

Double-click the
3 WhatsApp icon in the
installer window and click
Open in the confirmation
box that appears.
Just like the Windows
desktop installation,
the WhatsApp window
will display a QR Code
which you can scan
with WhatsApp on your
mobile device.

Once you’ve
4 scanned in the
QR Code, the Mac
desktop WhatsApp
synchronises with the
WhatsApp account
you’ve created on the
mobile device. You
will be able to view
any contacts and
conversations you
have started.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

WhatsApp on
Android
WhatsApp on Android is set out in an easy to use layout, with
the app’s key messaging service taking centre stage and various
options being placed behind the scenes. From the main screen
you can view chats, groups and start messaging.

Camera – Tapping the Camera icon Search – The Search function is self-
1 instantly activates the mobile device’s 5 explanatory but it’s also surprisingly
camera function. Options within allow you powerful. With it you can search for contacts,
to attach an image from your Gallery or via keywords and groups within any of the
either of the front or rear facing cameras. messages you’ve already sent or been a
Videos can be shot by long pressing the part of. The results are displayed allowing
relevant button. you to choose which message you want to
view again.
Messages – The main bulk of the
2 screen is taken up by the messaging Status – The Status indicator in the
window. In here you can quick view any recent 6 main message window tell you whether
messages and replies or tap the person or your message has been viewed by the
persons to continue the chat. You can also see recipient, as represented by ticks. One tick
any created Group conversations separated means the message has been successfully
from individual people. been sent to the contact and two ticks means
the contact has read the message.
New Chat – The green icon to the
3 bottom of the main message window is Options Menu – The three vertical
where you start a new chat or message with 7 dots in the top right of the WhatsApp
one of your contacts. It’s also where you can screen hide the options for the Feature you’re
create a new group chat, invite friends or get currently in. For example, the options for Chat
help with adding Contacts from your device’s are different to that of Status or Calls and
address list. so on.

Feature Bar – The Feature Bar along

4 the top of the main message window
is where you can view messages, set your
own status for your WhatsApp contacts to
see or start voice or video calls through the
WhatsApp service. Any new notifications
will be represented by a spot next to the
relevant feature.

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 WHATSAPP ON ANDROID

1 5 7
4

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

WhatsApp
on iOS
The iPhone (or iOS to be more precise) version of WhatsApp
is slightly different in appearance to that of the Android
version. All the functionality is there of course, just a slightly
different user interface.

Three-Dots Icon – Tap the three-dots one to make that call again and create a call
1 icon here and from the sub-menu that link for a group What’s app video or voice call.
appears, tap Select Chats. An empty circle
appears by each conversation. Tap to tick the Communities – Form communities with
ones you want to action, then tap Archive or
7 your friends and family, and form topic-
Read at the bottom of the screen. based groups. It’s a great way of keeping in
touch.
Camera – The Camera feature, as we’ve
2 mentioned, enters the app’s camera Chats – This icon takes you to your
mode. You can take a picture or video with
8 main Chats screen, where you can open
either the front or rear facing camera and a and continue a conversation, archive it by
instantly post it in a message; or choose a swiping left or mark it unread or pinning it by
previously taken shot from the camera roll. swiping right.

Plus Icon – The Plus icon in the top Settings – Tap here to change your
3 right of the WhatsApp screen starts
9 avatar, review and manage linked
a New Chat, form a New Group, add a New devices, check your account and privacy
Contact or start a New Broadcast. details and more.

Archived – Click this to access chats

4 you’ve previously archived. From the
next screen, you can unarchive or delete them
if you wish.

Updates – Use this page to change your

5 status, and follow channels about things
that interest you.

Calls – Review recent incoming and

6 outgoing phone and video calls, tap

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 WHATSAPP ON iOS

1 3

2
4

5 6 7 8 9

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

WhatsApp on the
Desktop
The desktop view of WhatsApp is significantly different to that
of the mobile versions but it’s still just as effective. There are
a few more menus available, neatly tucked away as well, but
overall it’s a functional layout.

Sidebar Icons – These are (from top to Settings – Click here to open your
1 bottom); Show chats; Start a voice or
8 WhatsApp Settings in the right-hand
video call; Show updates; See archived chats; window.
Show starred messages.
Plus Icon – This opens a window from
More Icons – These icons are to start a
9 where you can send a File, a photo or
2 new chat and toggle between showing video or a contact in the chat, or start a poll.
all chats or unread only respectively.
Icons – These icons let you send an
Current Chat – Select a chat in the
10 emoji, send a sticker or use voice-to-
3 sidebar and it’s shown here. Click the text to type your message respectively.
person’s name for an information window.

Call and Search Icons – Make video

4 or audio-only call to the person with
whom your chatting. The magnifying glass is
for searching the current conversation.

Chats – Click on one of these

5 conversations to show it in the right-
hand window.

Messages – This is the currently

6 selected chat. Messages sent to you are
on the left, messages you send to the other
person or people are on the right.

Reply to Photo – If you’re sent a picture

7 or video in a chat, you can use these
icons to forward it to a third party or reply
with an emoticon.

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 WHATSAPP ON THE DESKTOP

2 3 4
1

7 6

8 9 10

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Setting Up Your
Profile
WhatsApp’s profile setup process differs slightly depending on
whether you’re using an iPhone, Android or some other mobile
device. The main profile creation is the same but different
platforms ask different questions to begin with.

The iPhone version of WhatsApp will ask You may also be asked to grant
1 you if you want to enable notifications,
whereas the Android version will ask
2 WhatsApp access to your contacts,
as well as the device’s photos, media and
permission for WhatsApp to gain access files. Agreeing will allow WhatsApp to
to the phone’s location, Wi-Fi connection create a contacts list based on your current
information and so on. You will need to contacts (if any of your contacts already use
Accept these to continue. WhatsApp) and allow you to send media via
the service.

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 SETTING UP YOUR PROFILE

GOOGLE BACKUP
One last element that Android users
may be asked is whether they want
their WhatsApp messages and media
backed up to their Google Drive
account. You can opt for Daily, Weekly,
Monthly or Never and even include any
videos in your WhatsApp feed.

Across all devices, after you’ve agreed You will get the chance to review the
3 access to notifications and the phone’s
setup, you will be asked to enter your country
4 number before the SMS verification
is sent. If all is fine, then tap OK and once
code and phone number. WhatsApp is built on the SMS has arrived, enter the 6-digit code
top of your device’s phone number but uses contained in the message into WhatsApp.
data to message. There will be an SMS message The profile is now complete and you can start
sent to the device to confirm the account, so using WhatsApp on your phone.
ensure it’s the correct number you enter.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

How to Add Friends

and Contacts
To start communicating with others you’re going to need to add
them to your WhatsApp contacts. By default WhatsApp will
access your phone’s contact list and automatically display those
who already have the app, but adding new contacts is easy.

To begin with, tap the speech bubbles Tap the Plus icon (top right). If the
1 icon at the foot of the screen to open
your Chats. You see the conversations
2 person you want to add is in your
Contacts app, scroll down until you see
you’ve already started, with the most them and tap their name. You can then start
recent at the top. a new chat with them.

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 HOW TO ADD FRIENDS AND CONTACTS

ADD VIA QR CODE

If the person you want to add is nearby,
ask them to open WhatsApp, tap the
Settings icon and then tap the icon
that looks like a QR code next to their
name. a QR code is displayed. On your
own phone, you then tap Add Via QR
Code, and scan this code. The contact
is automatically added.

Alternatively, tap New Contact near the If the phone number you add to your
3 top of the screen and then add their
details manually. Type them in, and use the
4 contact is not registered with WhatsApp,
they probably don’t use the app. Tap the
Add Field link to add further information. Invite to WhatsApp link to ask them to
download it.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

Sending Your First

Message
The essence of WhatsApp is of course messaging and since
you now have your profile set up and added some contacts, it’s
actually time to send your first message.

Open WhatsApp, and make sure you’re Tap their name, and a chat screen appears.
1 on the Chats screen. Tap the blue Plus
icon in the top right of the screen, and scroll
2 If their name isn’t in the list, see the
previous tutorial about adding contacts, and
to find the contact you want to reach. inviting them to use WhatsApp if necessary.

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 SENDING YOUR FIRST MESSAGE

EXCITING CHAT FEATURES

Tap the sticker in the text field and
you can add a sticker or a GIF to your
message. Tap the Plus icon in the stickers
window and you can see more sticker
collections. The icons at the foot of the
stickers window are for quick-sending
a sticker or showing stickers you’ve
favourited by tapping and holding, then
choosing the Add to Favourites option.

Tap the text field at the bottom of the You can now continue to chat. Your
3 screen, and assuming your on a smartphone,
the virtual keyboard is revealed. Type your
4 messages are on the right-hand side of the
screen, while those sent to you by the person or
message, then tap the blue button to send it. people you’re chatting to are on the left.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

How to Send Images

Over WhatsApp
News headlines are frequently announcing the latest in a lengthy
list of people who mistakenly send images of themselves
through social media, be they a celebrity or not. While sending
controversial photos of oneself isn’t advisable, it’s worth looking
out how you would go about sending images in WhatsApp.

During a WhatsApp chat, to the right of To take a new photo, tap the white button
1 the text input window you see a camera
icon. This allows you to send pictures and
2 at the foot of the screen. To switch to
video, use the slider below the button, then
videos in your WhatsApp chats. Tap this icon, tap the shutter button, which is now red, to
and the WhatsApp camera interface appears. both start and stop recording.

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 HOW TO SEND IMAGES OVER WHATSAPP

GALLERY
IMAGES
Rather than sending an image
via the camera, you can send
any of the images that are
currently in your device’s Gallery
or Photo Roll. From the Camera
screen, scroll the photos left and
right and tap the one you want.
Alternatively, tap the Photos
icon and choose your picture or
pictures from the picker.

When taking a photo, you can edit it with

3 the options to the top of the screen, apply
the built-in filters or add a caption in the field
under the photo. To send the image, tap the
Send icon in the bottom right.

When you’ve sent it, your photograph or

4 video appears in the chat. You can send
pictures or videos in high definition now. Tap
the arrow next to it in the chat window to
forward it to other people.

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 GETTING STARTED, INSTALLATION & BASIC USE

How to Make Voice

and Video Calls
One of the great many benefits to using WhatsApp is that
you can make both voice and video calls without using up
your phone’s minutes. Naturally, it uses your data but if you’re
connected to Wi-Fi then you can chat for free.

You can make a voice or video call in Depending on which method you use, you
1 several ways. In the Calls tab, tap a name
in the list to call that person again, using the
2 can start the call to the selected contact.
There are numerous options available while
method (audio or video) you used last time. you’re waiting for the call to connect (the
Or tap the ‘i’ icon next to a name, and choose contact needs to confirm the call). You can
Audio or Video call in the info window. In a opt for speaker, increase or decrease the
chat window, tap the receiver or video icon volume, hang up before the connection or
next to the person’s name. switch to a chat session instead.

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 HOW TO MAKE VOICE AND VIDEO CALLS

OTHER
PLATFORMS
The screenshots in this tutorial
were taken on an iPhone. The
process is the same on other
platforms, but the user interface
might look slightly different. On
the Mac, for example, the main
tabs icons are in a left-hand
sidebar instead of at the foot of
the screen, though the icons for
making video and audio calls are
in the same place.

Click the three-dots icon and

The contact you’re calling receives an you can choose a different
3 incoming call notification from WhatsApp.
They can then swipe to the right to accept
camera, speakers and
microphone, should more than
the call, or tap an icon to remind them later or one be available.
send a message instead.

For a video call you can see the caller as

4 well as your own video feed as a smaller
image in the corner. To hang up the call, or
video, simply tap the red phone icon and the
call is cut. Note, you can also switch device
cameras from the options available in the
video window.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

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 INDEX

Beyond the
Basics
Now you’ve mastered the basics of the
WhatsApp messenger application, it’s
time to take things further. Here we look
at its more advanced features, including
the app’s account settings, privacy,
security, verification and more.
If you need help with the text language
or using emojis, we’re here to help. We
also show you how to update your status,
check your data and storage use, delete
your WhatsApp account and more.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Exploring the
Settings
WhatsApp Settings covers a range of options to help make the
service work better and become a more personalised experience
for you. Here’s how you get to the Settings from Android, iOS
and the desktop versions of WhatsApp.

For Android devices, launch WhatsApp For Apple iPhone users it’s slightly
1 and from the default Chat tab, tap the
three vertical dots located in the top right
2 easier, thanks to the design and layout
of WhatsApp on iOS devices. Simply launch
of the screen. When the menu appears, tap WhatsApp from the iPhone’s Home screen
the last option, Settings. This will open the and when open look to the bottom right of
WhatsApp Settings window. the screen and tap the Settings icon.

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 EXPLORING THE SETTINGS

OTHER
DEVICES
WhatsApp is available for other
platforms, such as BlackBerry;
each one comes with a subtle
difference in the layout and
design. If you’re struggling
to find the Settings option
on your particular device, the
WhatsApp site has an excellent
FAQ page to help you find your
way around the app. It’s located
at https://faq.whatsapp.com,
so it’s worth bookmarking for
future reference.

For Windows Phone users, tap the

3 WhatsApp tile to launch the app and in
the Chats tab tap the three horizontal dots
located in the bottom right, on the Feature
Bar at the bottom of the screen. This opens
the Settings window.

Accessing the
4 Settings from the
desktop version of
WhatsApp is a bit of
mix between all the
mobile platforms. All
you need to do is login
to the desktop via the
WhatsApp Web function
on the phone (scanning
the QR Code) then,
once your account is
loaded, click on the three
horizontal dots at the top
of the screen.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Your Profile
Within the WhatsApp Settings page are numerous options to
tweak and configure the app to your own personal tastes, none
more so than the Profile section. In here you can change your
profile image, name and more.

The Profile page is the first step in You can choose a unique profile picture
1 exploring WhatsApp’s Settings. To access
it, enter the Settings as per your device and
2 for WhatsApp. Tap the Edit link under to
the main image circle. This opens your picture.
(in iPhone as we’re using here), tap on the top Tap Edit in the top-right corner for options
title bar with your name. to use an avatar, take or choose a photo or
delete the current photo.

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 YOUR PROFILE

The next option within the Profile page The section at the bottom of the Profile
3 is your visible name to other WhatsApp
contacts. Most of the time you would select
4 screen details your About and Phone
Number options. Tap the default ‘Hey there!
your own name but by tapping the pen icon, I am using WhatsApp’ box and there is an
you can edit what’s already there and enter option to fill in a unique About line, or you
up to 24 characters as a new name. can choose from some default selections.

You can change your phone number, the

5 number of the device that WhatsApp is
registered to. If you get a new number and
phone, you can use this option to migrate
your account over. Go to Settings and tap
Account > Change number > Next, and
enter your old and new numbers in the
fields provided.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Privacy
Within the WhatsApp Settings page, specifically in the Account
section, is an area solely for setting your WhatsApp Privacy. If
you want to lock down your profile, both publicly and even for
your contacts, here is where you can control those functions.

To get to the Privacy page: open the The Privacy page is all about your
1 WhatsApp Settings, according to your
device. The Privacy section is listed on this
2 personal information. There are two main
sections to it: who can see my personal info
main settings page, under Accounts. It’s the and Messaging. Tap on the first option: Last
option illustrated with a padlock. Tap this link Seen. Last Seen refers to the last time you
to get to the WhatsApp Privacy page. used WhatsApp, tap it and specify whether:
Everyone, Contacts only, or no one, can see
when you were last using WhatsApp.

REQUEST INFORMATION
You can now request a report of your WhatsApp
information and settings, thanks to the new GDPR laws.
Just go to Settings > Account > Request account info
and follow the on-screen instructions.

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 PRIVACY

Next is the Profile Photo visibility and the

3 About statement – both as defined in the
Profile section in Settings. You can opt for
visibility based on Everyone, My Contacts,
or Nobody. If you want to lock down your
public-facing WhatsApp profile, then these
are good options to tighten your privacy.

Status and Live Location are two Finally, the Messaging section enables
4 interesting options to look at. Status will
enable you to limit those who can see your
5 you to view the list of Blocked Contacts
you currently have and whether you would
Status updates, based on Contacts, Contacts prefer to turn on, or off, the Read Receipts
except certain users, or, Only share with function of WhatsApp. Turning off this option
certain users. Live Location uses your device’s will disable the ticks next to a message, which
GPS and Location to display your real-time confirm whether it’s been read or not.
location. Naturally, for improved privacy, leave
the Live Location feature off.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Security
Continuing with the options under the Account section in
Settings, we have Security and Two-step Verification. Let’s take a
moment to see what each offers you in terms of your WhatsApp
online protection.

Security is paramount in today’s digital For some time now, WhatsApp has
1 world. If it’s not the threat from hackers
gaining access to our online presence,
2 adopted end-to-end encryption. What
this means to you is that the only people who
then it’s some secret government agency. can read your messages are the contacts you
WhatsApp takes security seriously. Tap on the send the messages to. Messages to and from
Security option in Account to see more. your device are jumbled up so much that they
can’t be deciphered if intercepted; only the
sender and receiver can view the content.

WHAT IS ENCRYPTION?
Encryption scrambles the contents of a message, making
it impossible to read without a key to decipher it. In digital
terms, these keys are generated by the app and sent with
the messages telling the program on the other side how to
decrypt the content. In terms of hacking, a high standard
of encryption, AES 256-bit, will take a computer more
years to crack than the universe has been in existence.

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 SECURITY & TWO-STEP VERIFICATION

Two-step Verification
Two-step Verification is a method of confirming a user’s claimed
identity by using several different authentication methods. After
providing the service with evidence that you are who you say you
are, you’re allowed to use it.

Two-step Verification is a feature that The setup asks for a valid phone number
1 adds an extra layer of security to your
WhatsApp account. It works by sending the
2 in order to send the SMS PIN, as well as
an optional email address where you can
registered phone you’re using WhatsApp on a follow the instructions to disable Two-step
customised six-digit PIN via SMS. When your Verification. Don’t forget the six-digit PIN,
profile is verified, the PIN is called for and entering it incorrectly will lock your account;
entering it will unlock WhatsApp. To enable it, additionally, WhatsApp will ask you to enter the
tap on the Two-step Verification link. PIN periodically to ensure you don’t forget it.

MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
The future of multi-factor authentication
is rapidly approaching, with the likes
of WhatsApp testing such methods as
voice activation, biometrics in the form of
fingerprinting and facial recognition. All
these modes of authentication are already
available on our devices, so what’s next?

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Change Number
Most of us go through several phones and other devices in a
relatively short period of time. It’s not uncommon for someone
to move from an Android device, to Windows Phone, to iPhone
in as little as five years, so you need to be able to transfer your
WhatsApp account across devices.

There are two ways in which you can When you tap the option, you’ll be given a
1 transfer your WhatsApp account details
to another number and phone. The first by
2 brief round-up of what’s going to happen.
Tapping Next will start the process, asking you
changing the number in the Profile section, for your new number where a confirmation
which we looked at previously. The second SMS will be sent and the migration will begin.
is to tap the Change Number option in the
Account menu.

AN Which is best for WhatsApp? iPhone,

Android? There’s a raging debate
IPHONE, throughout many forums as to which
platform works best with WhatsApp.
OR Some would opt for iPhone
immediately, while others maintain
ANDROID Android as being the best. In the end,
it’s up to you, but iPhone does appear
PHONE? to have the best layout at present,
although that can all change.

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 CHANGE NUMBER & DELETE MY ACCOUNT

Delete My Account
This particular option speaks for itself, really. This is an irreversible
process, which even WhatsApp itself as a company cannot revert
should you do it by accident. So be warned, and unless you’re
convinced you want to go ahead it’s probably best to avoid this
option altogether.

You will find the option to delete your As you would expect, the company would
1 account within the Account section, as the
very last choice in the menu. Tap it and you
2 rather you didn’t delete your account, and
as a safeguard you have to enter your phone
will begin the process of wiping you from number and press the big orange button to
WhatsApp altogether. continue. You’re given the option to change
your number instead, which is helpful.

ACCOUNT DELETION
There’s nothing wrong with • Delete your account
wanting to delete your account. from WhatsApp.
Perhaps you’re wiping your • Erase your message
social media presence clean, history.
you’re concerned about privacy,
• Delete you from all of
or you’re too distracted by
your WhatsApp groups.
WhatsApp. Whatever the reason,
Deleting your account will: • Delete your Google
Drive backup.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Chat Settings
The available settings in WhatsApp aren’t just for the backend
control of the service; you can also control how your chats are
displayed, the font sizes and even the background wallpaper
exhibited in the chat screen itself.

From the Settings menu, under Account There are several options available
1 and Privacy, tap on the Chats option. If
you’re using an iPhone, tap the Settings icon
2 under Chats. The first one lets you
change the wallpaper for chats, that is,
from the main WhatsApp screen, followed the design in the background behind the
by Chat Settings (the fifth option from the messages. There’s a switch that allows
top). Windows Phone users access this via you to save all photos and videos sent in
Settings, then Chat Settings. WhatsApp to your camera roll.

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 CHAT SETTINGS

CHAT HISTORY
At the foot of the Chats page are a trio of
options that allow you to archive all your
chats to the device’s internal storage, clear
all chat screens, or delete all your previous
chats altogether. The last option needs
careful consideration, but feel free to explore
the others.

The Wallpaper option allows you to change Chat Backup is an interesting option and
3 the background of the Chat screen. Tapping
the option displays various sub-options from
4 one you should probably visit quite regularly.
As the title suggests, this option will back up
where you can pick an image to display: Gallery, your messages and media to your Google Drive
Solid Colour, Wallpaper Library, Default, or No (or iCloud) service. You can change the backup
Wallpaper. Cycle through the available options settings from within here and even opt to include
until you find an image you like. videos or back up over Wi-Fi, only.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Notifications
If you need any indicators telling you that you’ve received a
message, or you have an incoming WhatsApp call, then head over
to Notifications. In here you’re able to set different tones, vibration,
pop-ups and light for messages, group messages and calls.

Notifications is located under the Chats There’s quite a lot in here that you can
1 option in Settings, on Android. iPhone
users can find it in Settings, under Chat
2 alter. Message and Group Notifications
allow you to alter the default WhatsApp tone
Settings and Windows Phone users can find for any received messages, switch them off
the option as Notification Tones in Settings altogether and more. You can change how
under Lock Screen. your in-app notifications arrive too.

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 NOTIFICATIONS

Group Notifications work the same way as

3 the Message Notifications, allowing you to
choose a tone, vibration, pop-up or whether
the device’s light will indicate a group-wide
message. Tapping the Sound link brings up a
collection of ringtones; scroll through until you
find one you like and tap OK.
RESET
NOTIFICATIONS
If you find yourself wanting to
start again, with the original and
default notification settings,
look bottom of the Notifications
screen, to the Reset Notifications
Settings option in red. Tapping
If you’re using an iPhone, In-App this opens the option to reset
4 Notifications lets you change the way
in which notifications arrive on your phone.
all the changed notifications to
WhatsApp’s default setup.
You can stop them appearing, arrive as a
banner or arrive as an alert. Turn sounds
and vibrations on and off too.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Data & Storage Usage

The Data and Storage Usage section is one you should consider
visiting, especially if you have a particularly strict data tariff on
your phone. In this section you can specify WhatsApp’s data use
and whether media is auto-downloaded via Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Data and Storage Usage can be found Tap the first option, Manage Storage, and
1 within the Settings page. On Android
devices it’s under Notifications. iPhone users,
2 you can see how much space WhatsApp
takes up on your phone. Below, this space is
can find it by tapping the Settings icon in the broken down into how much each individual
bottom of the main WhatsApp screen and chat is taking up. Tap on one to see media
scrolling down a little from there. Windows received in that chat. Long-tap a thumbnail
Phone users, follow the Settings section until for the chance to delete it and save space.
you come to Data and Storage Usage.

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 DATA & STORAGE USAGE

WI-FI HOTSPOTS
If you’re frequently out and about, and
use WhatsApp a lot, then you may want to
consider opting to use freely available Wi-Fi
hotspots. While good, hotspots do warrant an
element of caution. WhatsApp’s messages are
end-to-end encrypted but not all your other
mobile data is. This unencrypted data could be
intercepted and viewed by hotspot hackers.

The Media auto-download section allows If you’re travelling abroad and are
3 you to set which network WhatsApp uses
to download the media within messages. For
4 concerned about incurring roaming
charges, it might be wise to turn off
example, you can specify that all videos only incoming photos, videos, audio and
use Wi-Fi data, while only Documents and documents. When you return to your own
Photos use Mobile data. country, just access this page again and tap
Reset Auto-Download Settings.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Help Center
Help Center provides you with a wealth of information regarding
the particular products you’re using. In WhatsApp’s case, its Help
Center covers a range of topics to help you when you’re stuck on a
feature or simply want to dig a little deeper.

The Help Center for WhatsApp is behind Tapping the Help Center link opens the
1 the Help option in the Settings menu. Users
of the three major platforms, Android, iPhone
2 relevant WhatsApp webpage, according
to the device’s operating system. Android
and Windows Phone, can find their own users may be asked which browser they
specific information within Settings > Help > would prefer to open the page with, whereas
Help Center, with each displaying a different iPhone and Windows Phone users simply
page according to the device being used. open the page in the default browser.

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 HELP CENTER

CONTACT US
Just below the Help Center link on the
Help page you can see some other
options, one of which is Contact Us. Tap
this and you’re presented with a contact
form allowing you to fill in any unique
problem you may have with the service
that isn’t mentioned in the Help section,
along with adding any screenshots.

The Help Center page is split into several If you want more information regarding
3 topics, each containing a range of sub-
topics specific to the title; with the exception
4 a particular feature, such as Two-step
Verification, then simply tap the topic and
of the Notice for EU Users section (only for you’re presented with a quick guide; and in
users in the EU), which displays the WhatsApp some circumstances a fairly detailed walk-
Terms of Service. through about the topic.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Update Your Status

The WhatsApp Status is a new feature that’s similar to Snapchat
and Instagram’s Stories mode. Think of it as a kind of personal
announcement, to coin Snapchat, a story about your life taken in
that moment. They only last 24 hours; here’s how to update yours.

In the WhatsApp app, tap the Updates From the menu, choose Text and you can
1 icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the
screen. Look for the My Status option at the
2 type a new status. Tap the letter ’T’ icon
repeatedly to toggle through available fonts.
top of the next page. Tap the Plus icon to the Tap the paint palette icon to toggle through
right of the Status heading, and a small pop- colours. Tap Status (Contacts) and choose to
up menu appears. send it to people.

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 UPDATE YOUR STATUS

WHO’S WATCHING
When your Status is updated, the Status screen
changes to whatever content was included. Tapping
the My Status section displays the updated Status,
showing any images, video etc. that you added.
Tapping the three horizontal dots will allow you
to see who’s looked at your Status along with
forwarding to a contact.

Photo, Video and animations can be used

4 instead by tapping on the camera icon,
under the pen icon for Text updates. You have
Enter your text, change the background a choice of adding an image from your Gallery
3 colour and add an Emoji of your choice.
When you’re done, tap the send icon (the
or you can hold the circle in the bottom middle
to take a quick video. Tapping the icons either
large icon with the right-pointing arrow) to side will change the camera and enable or
update your Status. Remember it’s only live disable the flash.
for 24 hours.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Editing Images in
WhatsApp
Sending photos and images
through WhatsApp to your
contacts is a great feature.
However, it’s made even better
thanks to built-in filters and a
picture editor. Want to add an
Emoji, text or line art to your
image? How about applying
some filters? Here’s how.

First open a chat and tap the camera icon Either take an image via the camera or
1 at the end of the text entry box. This will
open the camera view, displaying the rear
2 choose one from your Gallery roll. The
image will be displayed in the main part of
camera by default and a film strip of images the screen with a row of icons along the top
you’ve already taken that are in your Gallery and a caption text entry box at the bottom,
along the bottom of the screen. along with the green Send button.

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 EDITING IMAGES IN WHATSAPP

STICKERS & EMOJI

Tap the stickers icon and you can display a set
of available stickers or emoji to add to your
image. Tap to select one or more of the emoji
or stickers and they’re placed on the image.
Tap and hold it and you can move it around the
image to position it how you want.

You can start by swiping up from the The icons along the top of the screen allow
3 bottom, which reveals a selection of filters
that you can apply to your photo. Just scroll
4 you to crop the image, add Emoji, add text
to it and add line art. Simply tap the icon you
through the filters, tapping each in turn to want and apply the after effect to the image. The
apply them to the image. When you have the Line art option features a colour selection bar
desired effect, swipe back down to return to to the right of the image, so you can choose the
the main image editing screen. range of colours to apply.

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Understanding Emojis
Emoji are ideograms, modern day hieroglyphics that convey emotions,
characters, features and various meanings all wrapped up in a single
image that would give Jean-François Champollion a headache. Here’s
a list of WhatsApp’s most popular and what they mean.

People

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 UNDERSTANDING EMOJIS

Nature Objects

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 BEYOND THE BASICS

Watching YouTube
Clips in WhatsApp
A new feature for iPhone users is the ability to watch any sent
YouTube clips directly in WhatsApp without leaving the chat
dialogue screen. It’s a significant update and one which helps
make the WhatsApp experience a little better.

Let’s assume you’ve already found a clip Tap the Share button, the right-facing
1 you want to share with your WhatsApp
friends. Reduce the size of the clip (if
2 curved arrow. When the share option
window appears, on an iPhone, tap the Copy
you’re watching in full screen mode), so link. Alternatively, tap and hold the URL,
that you can access the controls under the highlight the entire link and tap Copy from
clip’s title. the sub-menu.

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 WATCHING YOUTUBE CLIPS IN WHATSAPP

Switch back to WhatsApp and enter a When your friend taps on the play icon
3 chat screen with a friend. Tap the chat
box and press and hold to bring up the
4 within the video preview feed, a floating
window appears at the top of the screen playing
sub-menu and press Paste. Press the Send the video. They can then pause, go full screen
message button and the video preview and close the YouTube video using the on-
appears in the main chat screen. screen controls within the floating window.

Both yourself and the person who received the video can watch it, using all the expected
5 controls offered by a video viewed on a smartphone. If you want to watch it in landscape
mode, tap the icon showing two arrows pointing towards each other at the top of the screen,
then turn the phone sideways.

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 USEFUL ACCESSORIES

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 INDEX

Useful
Accessories
WhatsApp has a wealth of companion
apps that greatly enhance your
messaging experience. They might add
fun features for you to enjoy, or boost
your privacy protection or security.
There are all sorts of third-party apps for
WhatsApp, for all sorts of tasks. They
can tweak your messages, send videos,
change the default wallpapers and even
add some extra content to WhatsApp.
They’re available for iOS, Android and
even Windows phones.

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 USEFUL ACCESSORIES

WhatsApp Wallpaper
WhatsApp comes with a selection of wallpapers but they’re
not the greatest looking backgrounds, being made up mainly
of block or blending colours. To spice up your WhatsApp chat
backdrop, here’s an app that offers 75 wallpapers in glorious HD.

There are countless WhatsApp wallpaper With the Wallpapers for Chat app open, tap
1 apps available for Android but of the many
that clutter the Play Store, Wallpapers for
2 which category you want to view (along
the top of the screen). Select the wallpaper and
Chat is a good starting place. Open up the tap the image to download it. Open WhatsApp
Play Store and search for the app, then tap and enter a Chat session, tap the three Vertical
the Install button and dots and choose Wallpaper from the menu. Tap
Open the app. Gallery and the downloaded wallpaper appears.
Tap Set when done.

ALTERNATIVE WALLPAPER
If you prefer not to download a third-party wallpaper app,
go to the main WhatsApp screen, tap the three vertical
dots and choose Settings from the menu. Select Chats,
then Wallpaper. In the Wallpaper screen select Wallpaper
Library and tap OK to download the WhatsApp Wallpaper
package. This is an official wallpaper app, so just tap install
and follow the on-screen instructions.

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WHATSAPP WALLPAPER & NATURE HD WALLPAPER

Nature HD Wallpaper
for iPhone
iPhone users certainly aren’t left out in the cold when it comes
to incredible HD wallpapers for WhatsApp. Again, as with
the Google Play Store, Apple’s App Store has plenty of
apps available and one of the better choices is Nature
HD Wallpaper for WhatsApp.

Open the App Store app on your iPhone Scroll through the available wallpaper
1 and search for Nature HD Wallpaper for
WhatsApp. Tap Get to start the installation or
2 and tap to open the images. When the
image opens, tap the Download button at
tap the app’s title for more information. Once the bottom. Open WhatsApp, tap Settings
the app has successfully installed, tap the followed by Chats, then Chat Wallpaper.
Open button to launch it. Tap Photos and the downloaded images are
available within WhatsApp.

iPHONE WALLPAPER
iPhone users have more choice when it comes to default
WhatsApp wallpaper. Open the Chat Wallpaper screen again
(Settings > Chats > Chat Wallpaper) and choose Wallpaper
Library. Rather than requiring an extra app to download and
install, the iPhone has an excellent selection of interesting
backgrounds you can use in WhatsApp built-in. Simply select
the image and tap it to set up the new backdrop.

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 USEFUL ACCESSORIES

Emoticons and Emoji

Stickers for WhatsApp
WhatsApp already contains dozens of built-in Emoji and
Emoticons but that hasn’t stopped developers from designing
their own unique spin on the Emoji phenomenon. Scroll through
the app stores and you can see plenty on offer; here are some of
our favourites.

Sticker Maker for WhatsApp – This app WhatsSmiley – This Android based app adds
contains loads of stickers, Emoji and heaps of new and brilliantly designed Emoji
Emoticons alongside the ability to create your and Emoticons to WhatsApp and other social
own Emoji. There’s bundles of unique fonts, media platforms. It’s easy to use and the
styles and even accessories you can include styles are presented in clear HD
within your chats. It’s free and available from
Google Play.

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EMOTICONS AND EMOJI STICKERS FOR WHATSAPP

Emojis For SMS & Social Messaging Apps – Emoji Stickers HD – Available from the
Windows Phone users can get a huge 3,000- Windows 10 Store and for desktop only,
plus pack of Emoji and Emoticon Stickers Emoji Stickers HD comes with over 4,000
via the Windows Store tile. This app features unique smileys, Emoji and Stickers for you to
high quality stickers from simple smileys to include in WhatsApp as well as other social
famous people, TV and movies; plus it’s free media platforms.
to download and use.

Messages Wishes – With hundreds of free Movemojis GIFs Stickers – Developed for
messages and stickers, this Android app iPhone, Movemojis GIFs Stickers features
covers most celebrations and occasions. an abundance of animated Stickers for
Birthdays, graduations, Valentine’s Day, WhatsApp and other messenger apps. Simply
Christmas, thank you, sorry and sympathy, install, pick the animated GIF you want to use
parent’s days and much more. Just tap the and share it to your WhatsApp chat message.
message or sticker and share it with your
WhatsApp contacts.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

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 INDEX

Advanced
Hacks, Tips
& Tricks for
WhatsApp
By now, you’re familiar with WhatsApp
app on your chosen platform. It’s now
time to take things further, with some
advanced tips and tutorials.
In this section, we teach you how to pin
chats to the top of your chat list, delete
or mute chats, block contacts with
whom you no longer wish to interact
on WhatsApp, report spam or abusive
messages, create group chats and much,
much more.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Pin Chats
An interesting feature of WhatsApp is the ability to pin chats to
your device’s Home screen. You’re able to pin up to the three
specific chats, and remove them too. The process is extremely
easy and helps you keep on top of chats without needing to
continually enter WhatsApp itself.

It’s easy to pin a chat to the top of your The chat in question is moved to the top
1 chat window. First of all, find the chat you
want to pin and swipe it to the right, revealing
2 of the chats list. On the right-hand side
of this chat, you see a pin icon. This shows it
two new icons; Unread, which marks the chat is pinned, and will always appear at the top
as unread, and Pin. Tap the Pin icon. of the list and is not displaced by incoming
messages on other chats.

REMOVING THE PINS

Removing a pinned chat is simply a reversal of the
pinning a chat process. Swipe the pinned chat to the
right again, and you once more see two icons. The
‘Pin’ icon now reads ‘Unpin’. Tap it to unpin the chat,
allowing it to sink down the list as new messages
arrive for other chats.

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 PIN CHATS & DELETE CHATS

Delete Chats
The set of icons that appear along the top of the screen when
you long press a chat offer quite a degree of control over your
chats. In this instance, we look at deleting a chat; remember,
once a chat has been deleted, you can’t get it back unless you
have a backup.

There are two ways of deleting a chat in Alternatively, in the chat list, swipe the chat
1 WhatsApp. In the chat list, you can tap and
hold the chat until a window pops up. One of
2 you wish to delete to the left. You see new
icons. Tap the three-dots icon, the one labelled
the options in this list is Delete Chat. Tap it to ‘More’, to bring up an options window. The
delete the chat in question. bottom option is Delete Chat.

RESTORING YOUR CHAT HISTORY

WhatsApp doesn’t store any of its users’ chat
histories on the company servers, so as a
company, it is unable to retrieve any deleted
messages. However, you can use Google Drive
or iCloud to back up your chat history and
ultimately restore it should anything go wrong.
To make a backup, go to Settings > Chats > Chat
Backup, and follow the on-screen instructions.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Mute Chats
While it’s great to have countless contacts sending you
messages in WhatsApp every few minutes, there comes a time
when you may want to silence the notifications. Naturally you
could turn the notification volume down on your device but that
may hinder other important messages.

You can mute a single chat without muting You are now presented with an option
1 your entire device’s notification settings.
Long-tap the chat and select Mute from the
2 menu. You can mute notifications from that
chat for eight hours, a week or permanently.
menu, or swipe it left, tap More and tap the Choose an option, and you get no more
Mute link in the pop-up window. notifications from that chat for that time.

UN-MUTE CHATS
If you want to bring the conversation back alive again
before the set time period has elapsed, simply reverse the
process. Notice that the muted chat contact has the mute
icon in their chat bar, just under the date. Tap and long
press to bring the menu up and tap the speaker icon (this
time without a line through it) to unmute the chat.

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 MUTE CHATS & ARCHIVE CHATS

Archive Chats
Archiving chats is different to that of backing up a chat. The
Archive Chat feature allows you to hide a conversation from your
main Chats screen but gives you the option to access it later. It’s
a good way of organising your chats and any groups you’re a
part of.

Again, there’s two ways of doing this. Either Tap the Archive link in the menu or the
1 tap and hold the chat you wish to archive
until a menu pops up, or swipe the chat left to
2 Archive icon revealed by swiping the chat
left. The chat then disappears from your chat
reveal two icons, one of which is Archive. list, and is no longer visible on that page.

UN-ARCHIVE CHATS
If you want to bring your archived chats back into
the main Chat screen, tap on the ‘Archived chats’ link
at the top of the chat list. From within the archived
section, select the chat you want to restore, and long
tap for the menu or swipe left for the icons. Tap the
Unarchive option or icon and the chat is restored.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

WhatsApp Desktop
Options
The desktop version of WhatsApp offers a multitude of options
for the user, although not as many as the main mobile version
does. However, you can perform most of the usual tasks from
within the comfort of your computer monitor.

Open WhatsApp
1 Desktop and if you
haven’t already, sign in
via the QR Code that the
desktop displays. Once
you’ve paired the mobile
and the desktop, you can
see the default desktop
start screen, displaying the
current chats, groups and
your profile.

Click on the pen-and-

2 paper icon for a menu
that lets you start a new
chat with one of your
contacts, or start a new
group chat. The circular icon
with horizontal lines next to
it toggles between showing
all chats and only chats with
unread messages.

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 WHATSAPP DESKTOP OPTIONS

Right-click on a chat in the list for a

3 contextual menu, as shown. From
here, you can mark the chat as unread,
archive it, mute it (set how long with
the sub-menu), pin it to the top of the
chat window and more.

Right-click on an individual
4 message or click on the down-
pointing chevron that appears in its
top-right corner when you hover over
it for a menu that lets you react to
it, report it, delete it, respond to that
message in particular and more.

Click on the Settings icon, the cog

5 in the bottom left corner of the
window, for a whole range of settings
options. Choose a category in the left-
hand window and take a look at the
options it offers on the right-hand side.

DESKTOP EMOJI
The desktop version of
WhatsApp also gives you
access to emojis, stickers
animated GIFs. In a chat
simply click on the smiley face
to the right of the text entry
box for emojis, or the sticker
icon next to it for stickers and
GIFs, and you can choose to
add them to your messages.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Block Contact
There may come a time when you need to block a contact from
being able to message us. A contact that has become abusive
or someone you don’t know who has added you to a WhatsApp
chat, needs to be silenced. Here’s how to do it.

To block a person that’s sent you a Another way is to go to Settings > Privacy >
1 message, either deep-press on the chat in
the chat list and select Block from the menu
2 Blocked and tap the Add New option at the
top of the screen. You can then add a contact
that appears. Alternatively, slide it to the left who’s on WhatsApp regardless of whether
and tap the Block icon that appears. they’ve already messaged you.

UNBLOCKING CONTACTS
Unblocking a contact can be done via the Settings >
Privacy > Blocked Contacts screen. Tap the contact you
want to unblock, then at the foot of the information screen
that appears, tap the Unblock ‘contact name/number’
option. The contact is now unblocked and you can receive
messages, calls and status updates from them.

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 BLOCK CONTACT & REPORT SPAM

Report Spam
Spamming is a daily occurrence in the digital world. Some
spammers cycle through numbers in the attempt to get hold
of someone, usually with the aim of selling or hacking. Others
specifically target someone once they get hold of their number.

Reporting a contact as Spam automatically It’s a similar process on a WhatsApp

1 blocks them as well. To report spam, open
the chat and tap the person’s name or number
2 desktop app. Click on the chat in question,
and in the right-hand window, click on the
at the top of the screen. Scroll to the bottom person’s name or number at the top. A menu
of the screen and tap Report. The WhatsApp appears, offering the same options as on the
team review the report and take any necessary mobile apps. At the foot of this menu is the
actions, such as banning the number. option to report the person in question.

SPAM AND The Internet is full of spam and hoaxes and

WhatsApp is no exception. While the company does
HOAXES an excellent job of blocking most cases of spam,
inevitably some do get through. Spam and hoax
messages spread false information and are generally
designed to deceive you and coax you into acting a
certain way. If a message looks suspicious then don’t
tap on it, share it or forward it. Report it immediately.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Creating a Group
Groups are a great way for multiple WhatsApp contacts to stay
in touch, help each other out, arrange a day or night out or just
have a laugh between friends when you can’t all be together at
the same time. Here’s how to create one.

Open WhatsApp and from the green Plus When you’ve picked the members, tap
1 icon choose the first option, New Group.
Tap each contact to add them to the group
2 the Next link in the top-right corner of
the screen. The next screen requires you
and they appear as members at the top of to name the group; enter a name up to 25
the screen. Tapping ‘X’ next to their picture characters long and tap the smiley face to
removes them. add any emoji to the name.

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 CREATING A GROUP

LEAVE OR DELETE
THE GROUP
To exit a group, open the group chat and tap its name
atop the screen. Scroll the information screen all the
way to the bottom, and tap the Exit Group option. To
delete the group, remove its members one by one and
then leave it yourself. The group, which then has no
members, is deleted.

Tap Create (top right) when ready and Open the group chat and tap its name
3 the Group is created with the selected
members included. Any messages you enter
4 at the top of the screen for information
about the group. As well as the usual options,
are seen by the group members and likewise you can scroll up and tap on a group member,
any messages they enter are seen by you and then give them admin rights or remove
and everyone else in the group. them from the group.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

New Broadcast
The Broadcast feature in WhatsApp is very similar to that of a
Group. However, a Broadcast differs in that each recipient in the
Broadcast List is not able to see other contacts’ replies. You’re
broadcasting out but they reply individually.

You can set up Broadcast Lists to message Like when creating a Group, you need to
1 contacts you regularly want to send
messages to, without wanting to add them to
2 select the recipients to whom you want to
broadcast your messages. Tap each contact
a Group. Start by tapping the green Plus icon, you want to include in the list and they are
then choose New Broadcast from the menu. added to the top of the screen. Tap the ‘X’
next to their profile image to remove them.

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 NEW BROADCAST

ADDING CONTACTS
OR DELETING LISTS
You can easily add more contacts to your Broadcast
List and even delete the list by tapping and holding
on the Broadcast List until a tick appears, tapping
the three vertical dots in the corner and selecting
Broadcast List Info from the menu. The info screen
allows you to add and remove recipients or contacts,
as well as delete the list or report a list as spam.

Tap Create (top right) to finish and When you tap back to the main Chats
3 you are taken to a chat screen; as with
normal and group chats, you can enter your
4 screen replies sent to your Broadcast
message appear as regular chats. They appear
message and include emoji, animated GIFs as messages from individuals, though. The
or attachments. Tap the green icon to send Broadcast option sends a message to multiple
your message to the chosen contacts. recipients, but doesn’t create a group.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Formatting Text
To add a little extra to your messages, WhatsApp introduced
ways in which you can format your text. You can change the
formatting of entire sentences or just snippets of text to italic,
bold, strikethrough or as a Monospaced font.

For Bold text, put an asterisk on either side

2 of the text. Again, you can select sections
of text you’ve already written or enter new text.
For example: *Text* and tap the Send button.

Enter a chat and either select text you’ve Strikethrough and Monospace Font text
1 already written or with new text, enter:
_Text_. This displays the text as Italics.
3 styles can be achieved by placing a tilde on
both sides of the text: ~Strikethrough text~ and
for Monospace Font, use three backticks either
side: ```Monospace Font text```.

ALTERNATIVE
FORMATTING
Alternatively, instead of adding extras before and after
the text, simply highlight the text in the text field, tap
the Format option that appears and choose Bold,
Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace.

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 FORMATTING TEXT & QUOTE MESSAGES

Quote Messages
Quoting text is an important part of messaging, so it’s natural
that WhatsApp has enabled the feature by default. If you need
to quote something a contact has said in a chat, then here’s how
to do it.

QUOTING WITH
THE DESKTOP
VERSION
If you want to quote some
text via the desktop version
of WhatsApp the process is a
To quote text, first open a message and
1 locate what it is you want to quote. Tap
and press the text to highlight it and call up a
little different. First open the
chat and find the message you
want to quote. Hover the mouse
set of icons at the top of the screen.
pointer over it and a down-
pointing chevron appears on
the right of the message. Click
the arrow, followed by Reply.
You can now reply in the same
way as the mobile version.

Tap the Reply option and the highlighted

2 text is displayed within a box with a section
at the bottom for you to enter your text. You
can also include emoji, animated GIFs and
attachments with the quote. When you’re
ready, tap the Send button to quote the text.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

How to Secure Yourself

on WhatsApp
With over a billion users worldwide, accounts of terrorists using
WhatsApp, along with hackers, scammers and all manner of
nefarious individuals and groups are always in the popular
media. Here are ten tips to help make WhatsApp a safer social
media platform.

Protecting your WhatsApp account

1 can be done mainly through the
Settings > Account option. In here you’re able
to secure your personal details, profile, status,
messaging and visibility of your account.

Thankfully, WhatsApp already

2 encrypts and secures messages
sent from one device to another. This means 3 For added security you can opt
for two-step authentication,
that your data can’t be intercepted and which requires a PIN when registering
read. However, you can opt to view security your phone number with WhatsApp. This
notifications if a contact’s security setting has is an absolute must for those who use the
been altered. This is in the Settings > Account app regularly.
> Security menu. chats.

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 HOW TO SECURE YOURSELF ON WHATSAPP

You can block all images from

7 appearing on your photostream
within WhatsApp. iOS users can look to their
Settings then Privacy > Photos and deselect
WhatsApp from the list of allowed apps.
Android users need to create a file called
.nomedia within the WhatsApp images folder
to stop the app from listing pictures.

Beyond WhatsApp itself, make If you don’t want WhatsApp

4 sure that your phone or tablet is
securely locked with an access PIN, pattern,
8 contacts to see where you’ve been,
you need to disable the Last Seen option
facial or finger print recognition system. This within the Privacy settings. This prevents other
way, should you lose your phone, its locked users from ‘seeing’ your movements. Should
against anyone who tries to access it and a malicious contact be added, then they will
WhatsApp. never know where you are or have been.

Generally you’re not able to add Be wary of scams where you’re

5 users to your chat list if you don’t
already have them in your contacts list.
9 be contacted through other social
media accounts informing you that your
However, clever phishing scams can have a WhatsApp account has been compromised.
victim add a contact, who can them message These often request you to add a so-called
them using WhatsApp. Just as with all social legitimate contact, who in reality isn’t, or visit
media platforms, be wary of phishing attacks. a webpage that’s riddled with malware.

You can block users via the If you use WhatsApp Web it’s
6 WhatsApp Web feature. Log
into WhatsApp Web and click on the three
10 always best to ensure that you’ve
logged out of it correctly before leaving
horizontal dots by your profile picture. Then your computer. The last thing you need is for
click Settings and from there click the Blocked someone to come over to your computer and
option. You can select contacts to block from view any conversations between contacts.
WhatsApp.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

WhatsApp Channels
With Channels, you can receive updates and information from
people and organisations, directly through WhatsApp. Messages
received through Channels are separate from your chats, and are
one-way only.

Open WhatsApp and tap Updates at the Tap a channel (not its subscribe button) to
1 foot of the screen. You see a Channels
option. Suggestions are offered; tap
2 see their recent posts. If there’s a subject
that interests you, type it into the Search field
Follow under a channel to which you want and see if there’s a channel for it. If there is,
to subscribe, and tap Explore More for a subscribe. Then, whenever there’s an update
more comprehensive list of channels. Tap a from the organisation in question, you receive
channel’s Plus symbol to subscribe to it. it in WhatsApp.

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 WHATSAPP CHANNELS & COMMUNITIES

Joining Communities
With WhatsApp Communities, you can connect multiple related
groups together in one place. When in a community, you can
switch between groups to find the information you need. Here’s
how to use them on your smartphone.

Open WhatsApp, and at the foot of the You can then add groups to the
1 screen, tap the Communities icon. To
start a new community, tap the button and
2 community. Tap the name of the
community and then tap the three dots icon
then type a name and a short description and open Community Settings, where you can
of the community. You can take or choose a set who can add members and groups. By
photograph for it too. default it’s everyone.

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 ADVANCED HACKS, TIPS & TRICKS FOR WHATSAPP

Text Language
Glossary
RU SITD or gr8 @ texting? If you don’t know what any of that
means, then here’s a handy glossary to help you decipher
some of the more popularly used text language and what the
abbreviations and Net lingo mean.

2moro BTAM GR8 KPC

Tomorrow Be that as it May Great Keeping Parents
Clueless
2nte C-P HAK
Tonight Sleepy Hugs and Kisses L8R
Later
AEAP CTN IDC
As Early as Possible Cannot talk now I Don’t Care LOL
Laugh Out Loud
ALAP CUS IDK
As Late as Possible See You Soon I Don’t Know MoF
Male or Female
ASAP CWOT ILU / ILY
As Soon as Possible Complete Waste of I Love You MTFBWY
Time May the Force be
ASL IMU with You
Age / Sex / Location? CYT I Miss You
See You Tomorrow MYOB
B3 IRL Mind Your Own
Blah, Blah, Blah E123 In Real Life Business
Easy as 1, 2, 3
B4YKI J/K N-A-Y-L
Before You Know it EM? Just Kidding In a While
Excuse Me?
BFF JC NAZ
Best Friends, Forever EOD Just Checking Name, Address, ZIP
End of Day
BM&Y JTLYK NC
Between Me and You F2F Just to Let You Know No Comment
Face to Face
BRB KFY NIMBY
Be right Back FC Kiss for You Not in my Backyard
Fingers Crossed
BRT KMN NM
Be right There FOAF Kill Me Now Never Mind / Nothing
Friend of a Friend Much

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 TEXT LANGUAGE GLOSSARY

NP PAW SMIM
No Problem Parents are Send Me an Instant
Watching Message
NSFW
Not Safe for Work PIR SO
Parent in Room Significant Other
NTIM
Not that it Matters POS TMI
Parent over Too Much
NVM Shoulder Information
Never Mind
PROP(S) UR
OATUS Proper Respect Your/You Are
On a totally / Proper
Unrelated Subject Recognition W8
Wait
OIC QT
Oh, I See Cutie WB
Welcome Back
OMW RN
On My Way Right Now WYCM
Will You Call Me?
OTL RU
Out to Lunch Are You WYWH
Wish You Were
OTP SEP Here
On the Phone Someone else’s
Problem XOXOXOX
P911 Hugs, Kisses, ...
Parent Alert SITD
Still in the Dark YMMD
PAL You made my Day
Parents are SLAP
Listening Sounds like a Plan

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

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 INDEX

WhatsApp
Security for
Guardians
WhatsApp isn’t a stranger when it
comes to negative press. From teenage
cyberbullying to scams to rob a user of
their money and data, there’s more than
enough to make you want to unplug and
hide in a cave.
In this chapter, we look at how you, as
a guardian and a young person, can
make WhatsApp a safer place without
compromising the app’s features. We
look at encryption, cyberbullying, social
engineering and more.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

WhatsApp Issues
While WhatsApp is the world’s most popular third-party chat
app, it’s not without its fair share of problems. Although some
stem from the engineering and governing of the app, others
come from a different source.

eing the world’s most popular chat app and its varying platforms that connect
B can’t be easy. The developers issue an
update and succeed in making one half
everything. Chat rooms, and platforms that
enable chatting to others, have been around
of the WhatsApp population happy, while since the beginning of interconnected
the other half take to other social media computers, and they’ve all inherently had to
platforms to vehemently voice their disgust. deal with the same issues: other users.
You manage to swat one identified scam,
and another two come along to take its Most WhatsApp chats are friendly exchanges
place. You increase safety and privacy, and it between those who know each other, in
annoys the users with the additional layers of groups or individually. However, there’s always
security. It would seem that as a WhatsApp a sinister aspect lurking in the background
developer you’re facing a never-ending battle waiting for an opportunity to invade a chat.
of compromises. Back in the day, before mobile devices, chat
rooms employed an admin to carefully monitor
As a parent or guardian, though, the public chat. Should someone appear and
WhatsApp has introduced a start to steer the chat population toward a
new entry point into your topic that breached the rules of the chatroom,
child’s web of protection then the admin had the ability to stop the
that you have so wayward stream of words and either issue a
carefully weaved since warning, or completely ban the individuals
the day they were from the room altogether.
born. It’s this potential
chink in the barrier This admin level user regulated the
that causes some of conversations, and it mostly kept scams and
the most documented forms of social engineering to a minimum.
issues with regards to Users could participate in private chats, but
WhatsApp. if they felt uncomfortable at any point, they
could easily invite the admin and let them see
Protecting young what was going on. It worked, to a degree.
adults, remember you
need to be 16 to legally WhatsApp doesn’t have an admin user, or a
use WhatsApp, is at parental figure looking over the chat stream,
the forefront of the to quickly put a stop to anything untoward. In
modern-day Internet, many respects, this level of freedom from an
overarching big brother is a good thing, but it
Scams are rife does mean that the aforementioned sinister
throughout the Internet element often has free reign over its victims,
sometimes to devastating effect.

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 WHATSAPP ISSUES

THE MOMO EFFECT

et’s take a look at one such disturbing started appearing; requesting the reader
L WhatsApp issue that ended in the deaths
of a number of young people.
kill themselves or ‘something’ will come for
their family.

The Momo Challenge, or Momo Suicide Needless to say, local police, children safety
Challenge, is believed to have originated in organisations, and other such charities issued
South America. A creepy image of a face was letters, posters, and advice to help guardians,
displayed on the screen, or a video, with the teachers, parents, and carers deal with
words: “Hi, I’m Momo. I want to play with you. WhatsApp and Internet safety. Unfortunately,
Look for a knife in your kitchen and cut your this opened the door for other similar trends to
little hands. If you don’t, Momo will come after appear baiting people into committing harmful
you…”; or words to that effect. acts, or handing over money or information.

Sadly, it was reported that some youngsters It’s patently clear WhatsApp has its issues, but
did hurt themselves as a result of this when used safely it can be a fantastic tool to
message. Other copycat messages soon stay in contact.

90s and 00s

Chatrooms were
often moderated

The Momo Challenge is

one of WhatsApp many
WhatsApp works fine, safety issues
when used properly

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Steps to Help
Protect Users
You can’t always monitor a young person’s online activity,
especially when using WhatsApp, but there are steps you can
take to help them become chat-smart and avoid unpleasant
messages or scams.

FOR GUARDIANS
hose of you who are in charge of a young person, here’s some tips to help keep them safe in
T an ever-changing digital world.

Talk – Probably the most

important piece of advice
anyone can give: Talk. Have
regular conversations about
what’s happening online.
Talk about the latest scams,
talk about what should and
shouldn’t be shared online
or in WhatsApp. Encourage
them to be able to talk to
you about anything online.

Research – Do your research!

In conjunction with the first
piece of advice, read about
the latest scams coming
through WhatsApp and
online, so you can talk to a
young person. Use sites such
as Net Aware (https://www.
net-aware.org.uk/#) to keep
up-to-date with the latest
digital safety news.

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 STEPS TO HELP PROTECT USERS

FOR KIDS
ou may well know more about WhatsApp and the Internet than the previous generation, but
Y here are a couple of pointers to stick to.

Stop – Say no!

Be assertive, and
confident. If you’re
being asked to do
or say something
that makes you feel
uncomfortable, then
say no. Leave the chat,
group, or whatever.
Speak to your parent
or guardian about
it and show them
the conversation.

The National Society for

the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children (NSPCC) is a UK-based
charity founded in 1884. It helps
connect children and young
people to adults trained to
deal with stressful situations, or
victims of abuse. Since the rise
Ask for Help – Talk to someone. It’s important of the Internet, the charity has
for the parents and guardians to talk to you, adopted an increased online
but you also need to learn to talk to them, or role, and is considered one
someone in a position of care, about how you’re of the best sources of safety
feeling. If you feel you’re being a victim of a advice and help today.
scam, then reach out to a parent, teacher, the
NSPCC, or even the police.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Cyberbullying
Of the many threats prevalent online to children and young people,
cyberbullying is perhaps one of the most common. Bullying is,
sadly, a fact of life. There will always be the bully, who preys on
those they perceive as weaker, different, or purely out of spite.
Now, however, they have the ability to bully from the Internet.

ONLINE BULLYING
yberbullying is when someone uses the are already in a heightened emotional state
C Internet, email, online gaming, social
media, and any other kind of digital platform
over their body image, thanks to the media
and unrealistic Photoshopping of celebrities.
to threaten, tease, humiliate, or upset Where young people, especially young teens,
someone else. Both the bully and the victim are very conscious of their image, a slight
of the bullying can be any age, from very remark to someone can impact the young
young children up to late teens and beyond, person in an incredibly negative way.
in some cases. And the source of the bullying
could be someone the victim knows, at
school or college, or a complete stranger on
the other side of the world.

Bullying someone online doesn’t always

involve threating remarks. What may seem
like a playful comment on one side could be
taken as a cutting jibe on the other. It’s not
always an easy thing to specify, as we all have
moments when we may say or do something
to upset someone without meaning to do
that person any emotional harm. Usually
though, we are quick to apologise for our
mistake once we realise that we’ve upset the
other person with our thoughtless use of a
loose and throwaway comment. Social Media – Probably one of the main
platforms for cyberbullying, social media is
True cyberbullying, however, is the persistent an ideal hunting ground for the cyberbully.
harassment of an individual. The cyberbully The effects of social media bullying have
will goad, threaten, send nasty messages, been devastating on some families. Teen
even take images of the victim and suicides, self harm, and elevated cases
Photoshop them in inappropriate situations, of depression among young people are
through the use of many different forms of widespread in the media, and bring to light
online communications. just how powerful and dangerous social
It’s a sad fact too, that a lot of young people media is as a communications tool.

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 CYBERBULLYING

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other

examples have all become the haunt of those
who will prey and harass on others. From
the point of view of a child, whose emotional
state is quite vulnerable, even a simple ‘like’
of a comment can embarrass or hurt.

Text Messaging – With more and more

young people having access to their own
phones or tablets, abusive text messaging
is becoming a major issue. WhatsApp isn’t
alone in this, but as the world’s most popular
chat app, it’s often focused on more.

Another aspect of cyberbullying via text

message is sexting. This is when someone
Online Gaming – Another prime source of takes an explicit image, or video, of
modern cyberbullying; online gaming has themselves and sends it to someone else.
proved to be, for some, a vicious place to Sometimes, a person can bully someone
inhabit. The problem with online gaming, into sending them images, or videos, of the
of course, is that the bullying comes from victim, then send those images on to others
anywhere in the world. There are cases of or upload them to popular sites and inform
gamers targeting females, different religions, an entire group of their location.
or those who come from different parts
of the world. With the use of headsets, Email – Sending abusive emails is a large area
the gaming cyberbullies are able to shout of concern for those involved in protecting
threats and taunt other gamers, rallying young people from cyberbullying. As we’ve
others around them until the victims feel seen, the double-edged blade of anonymity
overwhelmed by bullies. can cut both ways: it’ll protect your identity
online, but it can also hide an individual who
There are numerous games that have is bullying someone. Anonymous emails sent
adopted a more sport-friendly approach, from a bully can be just as harmful as social
introducing policies whereby instances media, online gaming and texting. It’s a more
of bulling can be reported and the bullies personal form of bullying, much like having
themselves have their gaming accounts an abusive letter addressed and posted
suspended. Often online gaming bullying directly to you.
is just someone shouting ‘Noob’ at another,
degrading the victim as a newcomer, or Cyberbullying covers many different forms
someone who isn’t as good as them. Other and platforms. It can be a single, throwaway
times the bully will say things like ‘I hope you comment, a like on a Facebook comment, or
die’, or, ‘I’m coming to kill you’, or something just someone calling someone else a ‘noob’;
similar. In short, any abusive behaviour, it can be very serious indeed, including death
including destroying your online game threats, threats of violence, or the sending or
creations or belongings, is a form of bullying. posting of explicit images or videos.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Social Engineering
With the rise of wider forms of communication, through social
media and so on, comes a new wave of threats called social
engineering. There are many forms of social engineering, let’s have
a look at what you’re up against, and how to combat it.

MANIPULATION AND COERCION

ou may think you’re not the sort of person social engineering. Essentially, the scammer
Y to be fooled by a scam, but often the
scammers have employed subtle ways and
will employ your human nature and responses
and turn it against you for their own gain.
means to entrap you.
The kind of information the scammer is after
Social engineering is the modern way of does vary, depending on the type of scam
manipulating people to give up their personal being used, but for the most part they’re
and confidential information. It comes in many usually after your passwords, bank and credit
guises and under different sub-headings, card details, or login information in order to
such as Phishing, but it’s basically all a form of gain any sort of financial data.

DON’T BECOME A VICTIM

ou may think you’re not the sort of person to
Y be fooled by a scam, but often the scammers
have employed subtle ways and means to
entrap you.

Social engineering is the modern way of

manipulating people to give up their personal
and confidential information. It comes in many
guises and under different sub-headings, such as
Phishing and the like, but it’s basically all a form of
social engineering. Essentially, the scammer will
employ your human nature and responses and
turn it against you for their own gain.

The kind of information the scammer is after

does vary, depending on the type of scam being
used, but for the most part they’re usually after
your passwords, bank and credit card details,
or login information in order to gain any sort of
financial data.

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 SOCIAL ENGINEERING

Slow Down: Many scammers want you to Research everything: Locate

1 react quickly, as a matter of urgency. Take
a moment to figure out what’s going on, and don’t
4 your bank or credit card
company’s webpage and follow any
fall for any high-pressure tactics. Ask for half-an- links to known social engineering scams.
hour to call a friend for advice. Read all the information you can gather
about the techniques and tricks used
and arm yourself with that knowledge
2 Never give out any password
information: A bank will never ask you
for your password, they’ll never call you up, or
prior to any contact from a scammer.
The more you know, the less likely you’ll
send a text message requesting to enter your be hoodwinked.
password, nor will they ask you for other personal
information relating to your account. Treat all Beware of attachments: Email
requests as suspect and don’t give out any of
your passwords.
5 attachments are an excellent
way of distributing malware, viruses,
and hacking scripts to your computer.
Don’t engage: While it’s fun to taunt a If you receive an email claiming to
3 scammer on the other end of the telephone,
telling them that the only computer you own is a
be offering you a deal of a lifetime
and requesting you simply open the
Commodore 64, it’s really not worth it. They know attached file, then it’s almost certainly a
they’re scamming, you know they’re scamming, so virus. Research the sender and the best
just put the phone down and ignore them. advice is to delete the email.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Staying Safe on
WhatsApp
There’s more to staying safe on WhatsApp than simply being
aware of the latest scams, hoaxes and viral messaging; you need
to handle a situation when it arises, and you need to ensure you’re
as chat-smart as possible.

BE SMART
e’ve put together some tips to help you train your mind into being able to handle some
W common chat and WhatsApp situations.

1 Screenshots can be your backup.

If you find yourself in a conversation
that’s turned, or is turning, into something
unpleasant, then make sure you screenshot
every aspect of the conversation. Therefore, if
you’re called on to prove what happened later,
then you’ve got the evidence behind you.

2 Accept people’s points of view.

Not everyone has the same
viewpoint on society, modern living, or life in
general, as you do. Sometimes what seems
natural to them may offend you, and vice
versa. Learn to give a little, not too much,
but enough so that you’re not constantly
offended. Obviously, report any true offensive
behaviour, but allow other opinions.

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 STAYING SAFE ON WHATSAPP

GET A LIFE!
Chatting on WhatsApp with your
friends is great, but it can be a
strain sometimes. It’s important
to learn to unplug once in a
while. Turn off your device, log
out of your computer and pick
up a book, or watch a film. Go
out for a walk or a run, hit the
gym, whatever it takes to have
some time out from being online.
You’ll notice the difference in
you, and you’ll be better able to
handle the negative aspects of
online life.

Get some positivity. It may seem

3 like something of a ‘hippy’ approach,
but it’s been proven that positive thinking can
have a wonderful effect on a person. If you’ve
been at the sharp end of a toxic conversation,
find something that makes you feel better
and positive about everything. Spread it
around and you can help others too.

Avoid spoilers! One of the biggest

4 bugbears of modern chat, and one
element that causes no end of problems
and arguments, is spoilers. A spoiler, if you’re
unaware, is when you mention too much
and spoil the plot in a film, TV show, book,
or game. If you know how Game of Thrones
ends, for example, don’t spoil it for others
who still haven’t got there yet.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Watch Out
for Scams
WhatsApp, like most of the Internet, has its fair share of scams.
Some are quite clever and devious, others are blatant and very
obvious. All, though, are designed to part you with your money or
obtain information. Either way, you need to watch out for them.

SCAM, SCAM, AND MORE SCAM!

ere are some of the most common WhatsApp scams that currently, and more often
H repeatedly, plague the service.

Verification Links – Scammers have found

a way to send anonymous verification
messages that contain links to sites, and
downloads, which infect your device with
malware. The verification messages look
similar to those that you receive when
you first sign up to WhatsApp, but in fact,
they fool you into using them to get a
malware payload.

Codename:
Olivia – We have
recently seen
a scam called
Olivia, where the
scammer used the
name Olivia and
then pretended to
be a friend, or a friend of a friend, in order to
send links to pornographic material.

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 WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS

SHOPPING VOUCHERS
One of the most common,
and frequently used scams
offers the chance to get
hold of free shopping
vouchers, worth hundreds,
for high-street retailers.
It’s all about stealing data,
as the scam voucher links
directly to an online survey
page that’s designed to
take your data and sell
it. You’re then asked to
forward the voucher offer,
thus creating more victims.

Free Stuff – A recent scam claims to be

offering free Adidas trainers, worth hundreds,
in celebration of the company’s anniversary.
Similar scams include offering free watches,
phones, computers, software, and even
courses that lead to high paying jobs… the
list goes on. Naturally, there are no freebies,
instead you’re asked to pay $1 to sign up for
the chance. Times that by a million, and this
becomes a lucrative scam.

Change Number Request – Another recent

scam involves an anonymous message
claiming that WhatsApp will be transferred
to a new phone number. This change, you’re
told, is set to occur in 24 hours and you’re
given a number to call in order to stop the
process. Don’t call the number, it’s a scam,
and it will cost you dearly.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Phone Home…
A holiday abroad is a wonderful thing. You can relax by the
pool, soak up the scenery and sample the local cuisine, but what
about those times when you need to talk to home? WhatsApp
can help.

WhatsApp is encrypted and secure, so Always make sure you’re connected

1 it’s ideal to have on your device when on
holiday, especially as texting may not be an
2 to a local Wi-Fi hotspot when you use
WhatsApp. Hotspots aren’t always secure
option, but before you contact home when (we’ll get to that in a second), but they’re free,
you’re abroad, or just out and about in your so they won’t burn up your valuable monthly
own country, it’s worth knowing that data data allowance. For added digital safety read
charges can quickly mount up. the privacy and security sections in this book.

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 PHONE HOME…

One of the best VPN packages

available is CyberGhost (https://
www.cyberghostvpn.com). It
costs very little to sign up for,
and is available for Android, iOS,
Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome,
Firefox and more. With 256-bit
encryption, your data is safe and
your device secure when using
CyberGhost.

When using a free Wi-Fi hotspot, Use additional security on your device,
3 ensure that you’re connected to a
VPN. Using a VPN will further encrypt your
4 such as a fingerprint Lock Screen. Enable
all the relevant security features of WhatsApp,
communications between the hotspot and and make sure your phone/device is always
the Internet, stopping man-in-the-middle within sight and reach. Then in the worst-case
interception attacks. Sign up to a good VPN scenario of losing your device, all your data and
before leaving for your hols. WhatsApp history won’t be leaked online.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

What is a VPN?
While your system may be secure to any online threats, it doesn’t
always mean your privacy is assured. This is where a VPN comes
in, as it offers the user a heightened level of anonymity while
online and even another level of security and protection.

VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK

sing a VPN can help hide your online your IP address would appear as if you were
U presence. While this may seem like an
ideal way to get to illegal content, it’s actually
actually sat at a desktop Down Under.

designed to help fight for your basic right to The benefits of this are many, but mainly
Internet and digital privacy. a VPN will allow you to access region
restricted websites, protect you from
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is, tracking, and shield your browsing activities
essentially, a server or group of servers in a from those who want to find out where
remote location with which you’ll connect you are personally based. Obviously there
through a client. The VPN servers will then comes a negative side, in the form of being
hide your Internet-bound IP address with able to access content that your country
their own, so for example, if you’re connected has deemed illegal for some reason. But
to a VPN that’s located in Australia then on the positive, VPNs have allowed people

Using a VPN will

protect your access
online, and filter
all your Internet
traffic through its
secure service

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 WHAT IS A VPN?

in countries with extraordinarily tight Beyond the other possible scenarios, using a
restrictions to get access to the outside VPN while you’re abroad, working in a hotel
world; often enabling them to report to the for example, will enable you to access your
world what’s going on in their own country. home country’s services and work resources.
One more element that’s worth mentioning:
For most users with a VPN, however, they’re using Wi-Fi hotspots is one of the biggest
able to gain access to TV channels in the security risk for travellers, and using a VPN
U.S., Canada, Europe, and other parts of the can effectively improve your security while
world. But it’s not always about being able using a café’s free Wi-Fi.
to moderately ‘cheat the system’ by forcing
the Internet to think you’re somewhere other Mobile operating systems do allow
than where you actually are; remote workers connection to a VPN through the OS
and employees, who live in other countries, Settings, however, the more common,
can connect to company VPNs and use the and in some respects, easier method, is
company’s network resources as if they were to use the client which most VPNs now
physically sat in the building. offer as standard. The client is often simply
a connection window that will ask you
The connection from your computer to the your login details, then provide you with a
VPN server, via the client, is usually secure method for connecting to any of provider’s
to the tune of 256-bit encryption levels, geo-location servers – listed by country.
depending on the VPN company which Once the choice is made, simply click the
hosts the service. All your Internet traffic Connect box and within a few seconds,
will filter through the VPN server’s systems, your IP address will be located within the
offering multiple layers of protection from chosen country.
viruses, malware and, naturally, privacy.

A VPN isn’t just used to gain

access to foreign online
services, it can be used by
remote workers to access
head office as if they were
actually in the building

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

What is Encryption?
The definition of encryption is ‘the process of converting
information or data into a code, to prevent unauthorised access’.
It’s a word that’s bandied about a lot these days, but do we really
know what it means, and where it comes from?

KRYPTOS COMMUNICATIONS
o better understand encryption it’s staff of a certain diameter the characters
T worth taking a moment to learn about
its origins, how it has been developed
would be decipherable.

over the years, and how it applies to our Of course, the modern forms of encryption
modern communications. are far more advanced, but the overall core
concept has remained the same: to be
The word encryption comes from the able to send a message to others without
ancient Greek word Kryptos, which means anyone else being able to decipher the
hidden or secret. Interestingly, the use message. However, modern encryption
of hiding messages from others can be now requires more than simply sending
traced back to early Egyptian scribes coded messages. Not only is confidentiality
who inserted non-standard hieroglyphs required, encryption must also perform a
within other communications in order to level of authentication, so the origin of the
hide the message from casual viewers. communication can be verified; integrity of
According to historians, the Spartans used the communications, where both the sender
strips of leather with engraved messages. and those who receive the communication
When the flat strips were read they were can be ensured that the message hasn’t
meaningless, but when wrapped around a been altered in-between; and some form of

Encryption is the act of

protecting your data
from prying eyes

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 WHAT IS ENCRYPTION?

Forms of encryption can be

traced as far back as ancient
Egypt, using non-standard
hieroglyphs

nonrepudiation, where the sender cannot with the recipient before they’re able to read
deny having sent the communication in the the contents.
first place.
Asymmetric key ciphers are also known
During the early digital age, the only users as public-key cryptography and utilise
of encryption were the government and two mathematically linked keys: public
military, and between them, they created a and private. The public key can be shared
set of algorithms and standards to protect with everyone and is usually generated
the communication on the battlefield, and by software, or provided by a designated
from one government agency to the next. authority. The private key is something
As technology advanced, these algorithms that’s usually only known by the individual
grew in complexity and it wasn’t long before user. Interestingly, both types of keys can be
the military-based forms of encryption applied in situations where one user has a
were being used in commercial modes public key and another a private key, which
of communications. Within a few short combine to form a shared encryption level.
years, bank transfers, cash withdrawals,
and data sent to and from modems, began These keys are many characters in length,
utilising these new protocols to protect making it nigh impossible for someone to
sensitive information. Brute Force hack them. The Brute Force
method involves using a program on a
Today, we’re regularly seeing and using computer to try every possible combination
devices that boast ‘military grade 256-bit of a key until the correct one is found. In the
AES’ forms of encryption, a standard that case of the 256-bit encryption, it would take
is regarded as near-impossible to break 2256 different combinations to break the key.
without spending billions on specialist If you were able to force one trillion keys per
hardware and software. In plain English, the second, it would still take you somewhere
modern form of encryption takes data and in the region of 1057 years in order to crack
passes it through an algorithm together 256-bit encryption. However, a powerful
with a key. This creates a garbled file of computer can probably manage around two
characters that can only be clearly read if billion calculations per second, so in theory
the correct key is applied to decrypt the it would take 9.250 years for your standard
data. Algorithms today are divided into two desktop to crack it. Bear in mind that the
categories: symmetric and asymmetric. universe has theoretically only been in
existence for 1.410 years.
Symmetric key ciphers use the same key
to both encrypt and decrypt data. The Numbers as big as that are generally far too
most popular symmetric cipher is AES mind-boggling to comprehend, suffice to say
(Advanced Encryption Standard), developed that if you’re able to use 256-bit encryption
by the military and governments to protect for your communications, or to protect your
communications and data. This is a fast form data, then you’re going to be protected
of decryption that requires the sender to for at least seven times the current age of
exchange the key used to encrypt the data the universe.

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

How Can a VPN Further

Secure WhatsApp?
Using a VPN is a great way to secure your device and increase
your privacy when online. Nevertheless, can using a VPN further
increase your security when using WhatsApp? Let’s have a look
and see how beneficial a VPN can be.

VPN, as we’ve discussed already, enables One of the main issues, that has since been
A you to connect to a remote server,
which gives your computer, or device, an
patched, was that the encryption keys could
be intercepted when WhatsApp made a
alternative IP address and encases all your connection to an offline user. The message
communications to and from the device, and would then wait until the user was back
the Internet, inside a highly encrypted bubble online before issuing a new encryption key. It
of protection. It’s a fantastic service and if you was possible for a clever hacker to ‘read’ the
haven’t already, you should really consider encryption key and thus gain access to the
adopting it. communications between the users.

WhatsApp offers a high level of encryption While it was a security flaw, and one the
between you and other users, meaning that media clung to like a vampire bat, it was
without the right encryption keys, someone something that for several reasons wouldn’t
won’t be able to intercept a WhatsApp normally happen to the average user. For
message and read its contents. However, there one, the hacker would need to be very,
have been some security issues brought to very good in order to be able to ‘read’ the
light in recent years involving WhatsApp. encryption key, and they would have had to

Device security is an
on-going issue, not just
with WhatsApp

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 HOW CAN A VPN FURTHER SECURE WHATSAPP?

Encryption is great, but if

your device isn’t secure it’s
next to useless

create an entire fake network in order to fool them will end up reading through pages of
the WhatsApp client. Another, WhatsApp, encrypted garbage instead of pure text logs
as soon as it was made aware of the flaw, of your device.
quickly pushed out an update to all devices,
and all versions; so unless you had not A common method of device hacking
updated your device, and were also unlucky employed is a man-in-the-middle attack,
enough to be the target for a secret agent where someone has created a fake Wi-Fi
level hacker, then you were reasonably safe. point, piggybacked off a real Wi-Fi hotspot.
An unsuspecting user will connect to the
A more recent discovery by an Israeli security Wi-Fi hotspot, believing it to be the one
company, confirmed that it was possible to belonging to the café, for example, but in
get access to a device’s operating system actual fact, they’ve connected to the hacker’s
and, in turn, get access to the WhatsApp device. The hacker can then filter all data
client and messages – rendering the from a device through their various tools of
WhatsApp end-to-end encryption model the trade, before allowing it to exit via the
pointless. The vulnerability was created real Wi-Fi hotspot. The user doesn’t suspect
using spyware called Pegasus, and allowed a thing, but the hacker now has clear access
a remote user to access the devices camera, to any data sent and received, and can read
microphone, desktop, apps and back-end OS it at their leisure. Using a VPN will encrypt
specifics. What’s more, according to security your data, even if it has spyware installed, and
experts, the spyware can be transmitted to a make it impossible for the hacker to be able
device simply by calling it. to read the information sent to and from your
device.

GO VPN
Naturally, this causes all manner of security GET A GOOD AV
issues. While the WhatsApp client is secure, Further advice, beyond using a VPN, is
the operating system it sits on isn’t. This is to ensure that your device is up-to-date.
where a VPN comes in handy. Frequently check the OS updates as well as
all the installed apps. Also, look into getting
When you connect to a VPN service, your a good Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware client for
entire data stream, all the packets leaving your device. It may cause it to slow slightly,
and entering your device, are encrypted. but it’s better than being hacked.
That means anything that tries to intercept

A VPN encrypts data to

and from your device

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 WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

Factoid: The Good,

The Bad & The Ugly
WhatsApp is a powerful tool. It can be a force for
good, it can be used by scammers, and it can be
used to hurt and abuse. It’s a multifaceted app
and it needs to be used responsibly.

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FACTOID: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY

The Good – WhatsApp has regularly been used to

help journalists, and those in conflict nations
around the world, spread the news of what’s
actually happening within a country where access to the
Internet and the outside world is near impossible.

The Bad – WhatsApp is fast becoming one of the

main platforms for spreading malware, viruses, and
scamming users. Scams include fake offers, fake
users, and data theft.

The Ugly – WhatsApp has been used in cases of

cyberbullying, some of which have resulted in
young people self-harming and even in some
circumstances, committing suicide.

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