WhatsApp, one of the most popular chat apps with billions of users worldwide, recently introduced a new feature called Privacy Checkup which offers step-by-step instructions to its users for setting up their privacy preferences.
The feature allows users to control who can contact them, choose with whom they want to share their personal information, regulate message access and apply additional security measures.
To enhance its security protocols, the Meta-owned messaging app launched the Privacy Checkup feature for both iOS and Android smartphones, Mint reported.
This feature empowers users to take control of their privacy and offers a sense of security while using the app.
In a blog post, while announcing the new feature, Meta said: “This step-by-step feature guides you through important privacy settings to help you choose the right level of protection, all in one place.
“Selecting ‘Start checkup’ in your Privacy settings will navigate you through multiple privacy layers that strengthen the security of your messages, calls, and personal information.”
A page detailing the new feature reads, Privacy Checkup “allows you to access step-by-step guidance to help strengthen the security of your account and customise your privacy settings all in one place”.
The chatting app’s recent privacy feature is simple to use.
Just open WhatsApp and navigate to the settings menu on your iOS or Android device. At this point, you will find the banner to start the privacy checkup located at the top of the screen.
Then, click on the specific option to adjust the privacy settings.
Here’s what WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup can help you adjust according to your preference:
Choose who can contact you
With WhatsApp’s Privacy Checkup feature, users can control who can contact them and stop unwanted calls and messages.
It also allows them to change who can add them to groups, silence unknown callers and manage blocked contacts.
Control personal information
This feature also enables users to choose the audience with whom they want to share personal information such as online status and activity.
Additionally, users can decide who can view their profile photo, control who can see their last seen and online status, and manage read receipts.
Default message timer
By controlling their end-to-end encrypted backups and default message timer, users can limit access to their files and messages.
Fingerprint protection
With the help of the messaging app’s two-step verification and a fingerprint lock, WhatsApp users can further secure their accounts.
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has released a security advisory concerning the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, emphasizing potential hazards related to the exposing of private data.
The recommendation recognizes that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, have gained significant popularity for personal and professional duties owing to their capacity to improve productivity and engagement. Nonetheless, the CERT cautions that these AI systems frequently retain sensitive information, so posing a danger of data breaches.
Engagements with AI chatbots may encompass sensitive information, such as corporate strategy, personal dialogues, or confidential correspondence, which could be compromised if inadequately safeguarded. The warning emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to alleviate concerns associated with AI chatbot utilization.
Users are advised against inputting critical information into AI chatbots and are encouraged to deactivate any chat-saving functionalities to mitigate the danger of unwanted data access. The CERT additionally advises performing routine system security checks and employing monitoring tools to identify any anomalous behavior from AI chatbots.
Organizations are urged to adopt rigorous security protocols to safeguard against possible data breaches resulting from AI-driven interactions.
Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest. Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.
Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area. At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge. As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.