WhatsApp has announced changes to security policy and data sharing, and the reaction was immediate. Will users be more exposed? It is better change the application of conversations for another similar one? Is there a really safe app for this kind of situation? To answer questions like these, the Vida Celular went after a specialist in cyber security.
We spoke with Fábio Assolini, senior security analyst at Kaspersky, to find out, once and for all, whether WhatsApp will really make users' lives worse with the update that will be implemented on February 8, the date from which it will be authorized to do so. sharing data with Facebook.
Kaspersky, for those who don't know, is a company that was founded in 1997, and claims to have over 400 million users protected by its technologies “aimed at combating sophisticated and evolving digital threats”. In addition, the company's portfolio includes over 250 corporate clients, including major financial and government institutions in a variety of countries.
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The topic at hand is WhatsApp security. So, we will put below, in full, how the (virtual) chat went between the reporter from Vida Celular and Fabio Assolini, Kaspersky expert. Will the app really get worse?
Disclosure/Kaspersky
Vida Celular: Straight to the point, Fabio: Should we leave WhatsApp?
Fabio Assolini: This is a personal decision for the user. From a security point of view, I would say that there are no problems if the use is for conversations without a significant level of privacy.
U: What would a conversation be without an important level of privacy?
Fabio Assolini: for example, to say good morning to family members, or chat with friends about everyday matters. Now, if the content of the conversation is something more private, such as confidential corporate matters, for example, I suggest using applications with more security features, such as Signal and Threema.
U: In practical terms, what changes with the new security policy?
Fabio Assolini: Basically, Facebook will have access to WhatsApp's database and will start monetizing the investment it made in the program a few years ago.
U: How do you imagine this process will be done?
Fabio Assolini: I imagine that this monetization will be done through ads, as is currently the case with Facebook.
U: and this new security and sharing policy. Will it really make WhatsApp worse?
Fabio Assolini: Yes. The more information stored by the same company, the worse it is for the user, as it means that they will know more about you and your privacy, consequently, decreases.
U: Is there a more secure app than WhatsApp or are all of them vulnerable?
Fabio Assolini: There is no program that is 100% secure. This is because cybercrime is constantly developing technologies to break security systems, even the most advanced ones.
U: what to do then?
Fabio Assolini: The first recommendation is to always have a security solution installed on your device, in addition to constantly updating new versions of these programs.
U: You said that WhatsApp should be used more for everyday matters. Is there any other alternative for those who deal with corporate or more important matters?
Fabio Assolini: Compared to other options available on the market, there are applications with greater security development, such as the aforementioned Signal and Thremma. A good comparison for choosing a secure communication app is Secure Messaging Apps Comparison.
WhatsApp updates page to “put an end to rumors”
WhatsApp, which recently warned that the new privacy and data sharing policy will serve for business accounts only, once again took a stand on what he labeled as “rumors.” In his frequently asked questions page, the company has put up a box (see below) clarifying users' main questions. According to the statement, messages are protected by end-to-end encryption and, therefore, “WhatsApp cannot see your private messages or listen to your calls, nor can Facebook.”
Disclosure: WhatsApp
WhatsApp representatives responded to criticism of the worsening security guidelines, stating that the app “does not store information about the people you exchange messages or voice calls with,” “cannot share your location, just as Facebook cannot,” “does not share your contacts with Facebook,” and that “WhatsApp groups remain private,” among other information.
