Next Level Secliets & Fixes Advanced Guides & Tips Rediscover Your Device

tech

Next level Secliets & Fixes

Advanced Guides & Tips

Rediscover Your Device

Mac

Tricks and Tips

Cloud

C++&Python Tricks and Tips

Computing Tricks and Tips

FRITZ!Box

Tricks and Tips

lnstagram

Tricks and Tips

NHt level Secrets & Fixes

Advanced Guides & Tips

Rediscover Your Device

iPhone

Tricks and Tips

Nert level S.crets & Fixu

Advanced CiuldH a Tips

Aecliscov.r Your Device

iPad

Tricks and Tips

N.rt lev.l S.crets a Flxn

Adv.1nced Guides a Tips

Rediscover Your O.vlce

tech

as

Tricks and Tips Welcome back... Having completed our exclusive For Beginners digital guidebook, we have taught vou all vou need to master the basics of vour new device, software or hobbv. Yet that's just the start! Advancing vour skill set is the goal of all users of consumer technologv and our team of long term industrv experts will help vou achieve exactlv that. Over this extensive series of titles we will be looking in greater depth at how vou make the absolute most from the latest consumer electronics, software, hobbies and trends! We will guide vou step-bv-step through using all the advanced aspects of the technologv that vou mav have been previouslv apprehensive at attempting. Let our expert guide help vou build vour understanding of technologv and gain the skills to take vou from a confident user to an experienced expert. Over the page our journev continues, and we will be with vou at everv stage to advise, inform and ultimatelv inspire vou to go further.

WhatsApp

A\ Advanced Hacks, Tips

Qjl and Tricks for WhatsApp 26

�Beyond "" the Basics 8 10 12

Editing Images in WhatsApp Understanding Emojis watching YouTube C lips in WhatsApp

�Useful 'ii Accessories 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Open in WhatsApp Private Read for WhatsApp WhatsApp Wallpaper Nature HD Wallpaper for iPhone MSG for WhatsApp: Windows 10 Store Video Optimizer for WhatsApp: Windows 10 Store Emoticons and Emoji Stickers for WhatsApp

4 I www.bdmpublications.com

28 29 30 31 32 34 35 36 38 40 41 42

Factoid: Engineering WhatsApp Pin Chats Delete Chats Mute Chats Archive Chats WhatsApp Desktop Options Block Contact Report Spam Creating a Group New Broadcast Formatting Text Quote Messages How to secure Yourself on WhatsApp

� WhatsApp Security 'iii for Guardians 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68

WhatsApp Issues Steps to Help Protect Users Cyberbullying Social Engineering staying Safe on WhatsApp watch Out for Scams Phone Home... What is a VPN? What is Encryption? How can a VPN Further Secure WhatsApp? Factoid: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Text Language Glossary

''...send images, videos, have free voice and video chats and even create groups with scores of friends and family members. WhatsApp is the future of communication available here and now...''

J.. ,,'l},

•\

>

' I.

�

I

•

",t,-

1. "It' •

• ·, '

•

' .. .r

l,..�

�l� ., .�·

NEW FEATURE ALERT! WhatsApp has made some changes for iOS users. WhatsApp has recently rolled out a new update for iOS users that brings some interesting additions into play. Alongside a slew of bug fixes and performance improvements, WhatsApp now supports a live Widget update when used in the iPhone's Today View. The Widget Status update allows users to see what's happening in their WhatsApp world without opening the app, as a quick glance. Voice messages can now be played while switching between WhatsApp and other apps and via the iOS Control Centre and Lock Screen. Finally, WhatsApp has now enabled a Crash Log feature, to help users gain specific information when contacting the WhatsApp developers and help team.

6 I www.bdmpublicat1ons.com

NoE;rcnt

NOi,

R

ndc

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 7

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.

1

To begin with, open a chat and tap the Camera icon at the end of the text entry box. This will open the camera view, displaying the rear camera by default, along with a film strip of images you've already taken that are stored in your device's Gallery along the bottom of the screen.

8 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

2

From here, you can either take an image via the camera or choose one from your existing Gallery roll. The image will be displayed in the main part of the screen with a row of icons along the top and a caption text entry box at the bottom, together with the green Send button.

EDITING IMAGES IN WHATSAPP

ADDING EMOJI Tap the Emoji (smiley face) icon, this will display a set of available Emoji to add to your image. Tap to select one or more of the Emoji and they will be placed on the image. Now tap and hold the Emoji and move it around the image to position it how you want.

3

You can start by swiping up from the bottom, which reveals a selection of filters that you can apply to your photo. Just scroll through the filters, tapping each in turn to apply them to the image. When you have the desired effect, swipe back down to return to the main image editing screen.

4

The icons along the top of the screen allow you to crop the image, add Emoji, add text to it and add line art. Simply tap the icon you want and apply the after effect to the image. The Line art option features a colour selection bar to the right of the image, so you can choose the range of colours to apply. www.bdmpublicat1ons.com I 9

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-Franc;ois Champollion a headache. Here's a list of WhatsApp's most popular and what they mean. People

f.J

:expressionless:

:musical_note: :fire:

:smile:

:unamused:

:innocent:

:simple_smile:

:sweat_smile:

:alien:

:laughing:

:sweat:

:blush:

:disappointed_relieved:

:blue_heart:

:smiley:

:weary:

:purple_heart:

:+1:

:relaxed:

:pensive:

:heart:

:thumbsup:

:smirk:

:disappointed:

:green_heart:

: -1:

:heart_eyes:

:confounded:

:broken_heart:

:thumbsdown:

:kissing_heart:

:fearful:

:kissing_closed_eyes:

:cold_sweat:

:flushed:

:persevere:

:relieved:

:cry:

:satisfied:

:sob: :joy:

:wink: :stuck_out_tongue_winki

:astonished: 1 :scream:

� :yellow_heart:

",j : heartbeat:

:heartpulse: .,• :two_hearts:

t t

A :poop: A :shit:

:ok_hand: :punch: :facepunch:

:revolving_hearts:

:fist:

:cupid:

:v:

:sparkling_heart:

:wave:

:sparkles:

:hand:

)l( : star:

:stuck_out_tongue_close � :neckbeard:

A :hankey:

:raised_hand:

:star2:

:open_hands:

:dizzy:

:point_up:

:grinning:

:tired_face:

:kissing:

:angry:

� :boom:

:rage:

� :collision:

-t:J :point_left:

:stuck_out_tongue:

:triumph:

>::'.< :anger:

� :point_right:

:sleeping:

:sleepy:

:worried:

:yum:

:frowning:

:mask:

:grey_exclamation:

:anguished:

:sunglasses:

:grey_question:

:open_mouth:

:dizzy_face:

•• :kissing_smiling_eyes:

:confused:

10 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

! :exclamation: ? : question:

,zZ :zzz:

:imp:

0

:smiling_imp:

�� :sweat_drops:

:dash:

� :point_down:

:raised_hands: � :pray: � :point_up_2: :clap: :muscle: :metal: '' :fu:

UNDERSTANDING EMOJIS

Nature :sunny: � :umbrella:

la

:turtle:

:bamboo:

:sound:

:bug:

:gift_heart:

:speaker:

:cloud:

W- : honeybee:

ii :dolls:

:snowflake:

"'- :ant:

� :school_satchel:

:loudspeaker:

� :mortar_board:

:mega:

:snowman:

:beetle:

:zap:

:snail:

:cyclone:

:octopus:

:foggy: � :ocean: :cat:

� :tropical_fish:

:mouse: :hamster: :rabbit: :wolf: • :frog: :tiger: :koala: :bear: :pig: :pig_nose:

IJ : fireworks: II : sparkler:

4' :whale: :whale2:

:ram:

1' :rat: � :water_buffalo:

:radio:

:jack_o_lantern:

:satellite:

� :christmas_tree:

(;:) :loop: , :mag: ,-) :mag_right:

:gift:

:unlock:

{;;. :bell:

:lock:

:no_bell: \(;;. :tanabata_tree:

:dragon:

\�· . .4...'.! ·;,·.· :tada:

:rooster:

'fil' :alarm_clock:

:rice_scene:

:rabbit2:

� 1 :goat:

'

� :hourglass_flowing_sand: :watch:

� :santa:

,. :tiger2:

E)

:hourglass:

:wind_chime:

:ghost:

., :dolphin: � :cow2:

:mute:

:flags:

11) :fish:

:dog:

i,

Objects

ii·l\ :confetti_ball: � :balloon:

:lock_with_ink_pen:

j)

:closed_lock_with_key: :key: :bulb:

� :flashlight:

:cow:

:dog2:

:crystal_ball:

:high_brightness:

:boar:

:pig2:

:cd:

:low_brightness:

:monkey_face:

:mouse2:

:monkey: :horse:

1,1 :racehorse: :camel:

,.,, :ox:

� :dragon_face:

a

� :sheep: :elephant: � :panda_face:

:crocodile:

l.ll D :floppy_disk:

� :leopard: ,;

h : battery:

:calling:

,..• :camera:

ill

:video_camera: :movie_camera:

+.1::,. :email:

:mailbox:

:computer:

g :postbox:

:tv:

� :bath:

:iphone:

� :bathtub:

:cat2:

I

:poodle:

• :phone:

�,::. :paw_prints:

� :electric_plug:

.,

:dromedary_camel:

� :snake: :bird:

:blowfish:

" :dvd:

S :telephone:

gl

:shower: :toilet:

:baby_chick:

:bouquet:

\.. :telephone_receiver:

:wrench:

:hatched_chick:

:cherry_blossom:

E;J :pager:

:nut and_bolt:

:hatching_chick:

:tulip:

:chicken: .(:) :penguin:

t.9

:four_leaf_clover:

' :rose:

9

:fax:

� :minidisc:

a :vhs:

!- :hammer: :seat:

:moneybag:

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 11

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. Q youtube.com

i youtube.com

YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream

••••

Google, Inc.

View

GET - On the App Store

https://youtu.be/DODLEX4zzl Google+ Twitter

WATCH and TRY TO STOP LAUGHING Super FUNNY VIDEOS compilation Tiger Productions ·

Facebook Email

28,030,894 views

•• 70K .,, 18K

Autoplay

1

·· Try Not To Laugh or Grin

Let's assume you've already found an amazing clip you want to share with your WhatsApp friends. Start by reducing the size of the clip, if you're watching in full screen mode (by tapping on the pair of opposite-facing diagonal arrows in the video frame), so that you can access the controls under the clip's title.

12 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

2

Tap the Share T his Video button, identified as a right facing curved arrow. A share option window appears, tap and hold the link, drag the blue highlight over the entire link and, from the sub-menu, tap Copy. On newer devices simply double-tap the link to auto-highlight.

WATCHING YOUTUBE CLIPS IN WHATSAPP

.,,.... .-,,.._.,"•

�Tt-,,2019,W.Willklnguc,"'I N

WHAT ABOUT ANDROID?

i

... -..41 ........

....

Sadly there's no indication that this feature will be arriving on Android any time soon. Being able to watch YouTube videos within WhatsApp was expected to have been implemented some time back but for some reason the development team decided to wait. However, all is not lost for Android users. If your Android device supports a split-screen functionality, then you can view WhatsApp and YouTube (or another app) side-by-side.

........� """"... ._............ -11111-�� .... -·

....._.

.....

--�·

You created this group Today

(S) You deleted this message.

Ill

+

Q W E

R

._,,,

A

S

T

Y

D

F

G

H

J

K

X

C

V

B

J

M

space

3

0

O p

U

N

L

WATCH and TRY TO STOP LAUGHING Super FUNNY VIDEOS compilation

�

www.youtube.com

httQ0}.Youtu. be/DODLEX4zzLQ retu

Switch back to WhatsApp and enter a chat screen with a friend. Tap the chat box and press and hold to bring up the sub-menu and press Paste. Press the Send message button to the right of the chat box and the video preview appears in the main chat screen.

4

When your WhatsApp contact taps on the Play icon within the video preview feed, a floating window appears at the top of the screen playing the video. They can then pause, go full screen, or close the YouTube video using the on-screen controls located within the floating window. www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 13

14 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 15

USEFUL ACCESSORIES

Open in WhatsApp Sometimes you may want to engage in a chat with someone but not create a contact for them. Open in WhatsApp is a third­ party app that lets you chat with a WhatsApp user by using their number, so you don't need to save the contact on your device.

• Downloads

Open in Whatsapp

Open in Whatsapp TrianguloY

This app uses whatsapp public api to open a chat with any number you enter. No contact is created on the device. More info here.

PEGl3 INSTALL

5,143..:.

Tools

Insert the number and theprefi_)( with no extra characters, only numbers 0-9. You can click on the'+' item to choose from a list. Example: for +44 (UK) 123 456 7890 write 44 1234567890

+ 44

Similar

Open a whatsapp chat from any number

OPEN

(you and that number).

1

Open in WhatsApp is an app that's designed to quickly create hidden and private messages; a super-private chat between you and the other number. It's currently only available for Android users, so open the Play Store and look up Open in WhatsApp. When you've found it, tap the Install button.

0123456789

2

Open in WhatsApp uses the WhatsApp public API, a set of functions that allow apps to access features of the device, to create the 'call' to the other number. Once you've installed the app, tap to open and enter the number of the phone you want to contact. You can now communicate without creating contacts on the device.

PRIVACY This app may seem like something of a security headache but the developer assures its users that it is not possible to spy on other conversations when using Open in WhatsApp. It's secure, ad-free and doesn't require any extra permissions on the device.

16 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

OPEN IN & PRIVATE READ FOR WHATSAPP

Private Read for WhatsApp While WhatsApp's read receipt feature is great, allowing you to see when a contact has viewed your message, you may at times want to privately read the message without the other person knowing. It is possible to go into Airplane mode and view your messages that way but to avoid the hassle of dropping a signal, here's an alternative.

Private Read for WhatsApp Franky Apps

Parental guidance INSTALL

1

Contains ads • ln-app purchases

Here's a handy app: start at the Google Play Store and search for Private Read for WhatsApp. Tap the Install button when you've located the app and, once it's installed, tap the Open button to launch it. You'll be asked to allow the app permission to access the media on your device, along with additional permissions.

Your new messages will appear here.

elcome to Private Read!

2

When you next receive a message from a WhatsApp contact, you can open Private Read and see the message from within there, as opposed to from within WhatsApp. The app will effectively block WhatsApp from recording the read receipt, so the sender will simply see a single tick on their WhatsApp screen indicating a successful transmission.

EXTRA PERMISSIONS In case you're wondering what the extra permissions relate to, Private Read for WhatsApp requires access to the installation of WhatsApp itself, along with access to the same functionality that WhatsApp requires: microphone, media, camera etc. This enables it to download the messages from WhatsApp, so you can view them privately.

DENy

ALLOW

wwwbdmpubllcat1ons.com I 17

USEFUL ACCESSORIES

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

Wallpapers for Chat

I!]

Wallpapers and Themes PEGl3 INSTALL

Contains ads

1

5,828 .:.

Downloads

Personalisation

Similar

T here are countless W hatsApp wallpaper apps available for Android but of the many that clutter the Play Store, Wallpapers for Chat is a good starting place. Open up the Play Store and search for the app, then tap the Install button and Open the app.

MiM/114

waHp8PM' pack.age

'° support WhatsApp

MTo use our wellpape REAOMORE

18 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

2

With the Wallpapers for Chat app open, tap which category you want to view (along the top of the screen). Select the wallpaper and tap the image to download it. Open WhatsApp and enter a Chat session, tap the three Vertical dots and choose Wallpaper from the menu. Tap 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.

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.

••If (

1

Nature HD wallpaper for whatsapp

-

Entertainment

�HO--.,,....,lor'""*'-

-

�HD_._..,..,lot�I...

Nature HD wallpaper for wt GET

-

( ....._HOw ...... b....._.

Open the App Store app on your iPhone and search for Nature HD Wallpaper for WhatsApp. Tap Get to start the installation, or tap the app's title for more information including updates and other apps from the same developer. Once the app has successfully installed, tap the Open button to launch it.

2

Scroll through the available wallpaper and tap to open the images. When the image opens, tap the Download button at the bottom. Open WhatsApp, tap Settings followed by Chats, then Chat Wallpaper. 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.

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 19

USEFUL ACCESSORIES

MSG for WhatsApp: Windows 10 Store Although third-party WhatsApp apps and extras appear to be exclusive to the mobile platforms, there's no shortage of useful apps for other systems. MSG for WhatsApp is a lightweight application designed for Windows PCs, Xbox One, Windows mobile and even the Hololens. x

0

MSG for WhatsApp

x p •

...

WhatsApp use Wha1sApp on your phone 10 scan !he eode 0 ltttl)mtllq'Wdln r --.affll.lbMo...-..CUW1C1,-..,11>wt�

1

For those using Windows 10 computers, start by opening the Windows Store and clicking in the Search bar at the top right of the screen. Type: MSG for WhatsApp and click on the returning result. Xbox One owners can do the same by clicking on the Store tile and either searching from the main screen or via the Xbox's Apps tab.

2

MSG for WhatsApp works in much the same way as the official WhatsApp for desktop app. You will need to scan the QR Code that appears after launching the app from within WhatsApp, which then links the accounts. The benefit here is a Windows­ based tile, as opposed to the installed program from WhatsApp.

INSTALLATION FROM PC TO XBOX ONE If you aren't able to install MSG for WhatsApp directly to your Xbox One, as it may be updating or someone is using it, once it's installed for Windows 10, you're able to initialise the Xbox One installation directly from the Windows Store. Simply reopen MSG for WhatsApp in the Windows Store on a PC and click on the Install on Xbox One button.

20 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

MSG & VIDEO OPTIMIZER: WINDOWS 10 STORE

Video Optimizer for WhatsApp: Windows 10 Store While sending videos on WhatsApp is great, there is a limit to the size of the video being sent. The current limit is 16MB, which is reasonable, but in this day and age of HD and even 4K video, 16MB can be used up very quickly.

I

Results for: video optimizer for whatsapp

I

Type v Available on ._A_IIty_pc_______ s _._ Desktop

Apps (1)

'1JI liil

1

Video Optimizer

Video Optimizer for WhatsApp is a Windows 10 and Windows mobile app, with support for the Hololens too. Open the Windows Store and search for Video Optimizer for WhatsApp. Windows mobile users, tap the Store tile and again search for Video Optimizer for WhatsApp.

2

The app costs £2.09 but with it you're able to select single or multiple video files for optimisation, record videos from within the app, convert music files, download and optimise YouTube videos (handy for Android users) and more.

VIDEO ALTERNATIVES If you don't want to pay a couple of pound for the Video Optimizer for WhatsApp, then consider using one of the many available, free online video convertors. A good starting point is Clipchamp Video Compressor (www. clipchamp.com/en/video­ compressor). Simply upload the video, click the Compress button, save the result and send it via WhatsApp.

wwwbdmpubllcat1ons.com I 21

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. ( Search

Stickers For WhatsApp & Wee ... Pradeep Singh

0 4.1*****

�a.l:J He.eeo!!!

1DNEUJ <:TcOCkER<: QND EMOhO <:

r

12+

� Emoji emoticons for [!] whatsapp

Buncl.ee1, o&

Mundoapp

FCR 0N1ER[Oi0

PEGl3 INSTALL Contains ads

Downloads

Stickers for WhatsApp and WeChat - This app contains loads of stickers, Emoji and Emoticons alongside the ability to create your own Emoji. There's bundles of unique fonts, styles and even accessories you can include within your chats. It's free and available from the relevant app stores. 22 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

5,172..:.

Entertainment

Similar

Emoji Emoticons for WhatsApp - This is an Android based app that adds heaps of new and brilliantly designed Emoji and Emoticons to WhatsApp, as well as other available social media platforms. It's easy to use and the styles are presented in clear HD, plus its catalogue of items is frequently updated.

EMOTICONS AND EMOJI STICKERS FOR WHATSAPP

_

Emoji Stickers HD ClipinApps •

****"1

12

...

• Offers in·app pu•chascs

Description

Available on

Emo,, Siders HO rs• hee app with more than 4,000 umque and lunny HD smileys and emoi1 to send to you, lrll!n
'i2

PC

btr,1 sm1leys. stders and other emoticons tor your t.wonte �1ng apps likt LINE or WhatsAppL Factboot. Twitt tr, Linktdin ttCGrt1t to lmprtn your friends of WhatsApp, K,k.lolalk. WeChlt. Telt9rlll\ UN[ or othtr chat or men&9ll'IQ apps. •HOW TO USE

·-

Mo1e

Screenshots

. A t1 ---� ffiiffl

Emojis For SMS & Social Messaging Apps Windows Phone users can get a huge 3,000plus pack of Emoji and Emoticon Stickers via the Windows Store tile. T his app features high quality stickers ranging from simple smileys to famous (or infamous) people, plus TV, games and popular fiction. It's free to download and use, and it's regularly updated.

Emoji Stickers HD - Available from the Windows 10 Store, but for Windows 10 desktop only, Emoji Stickers HD comes with over 4,000 unique smileys, Emoji, and Stickers for you to include in WhatsApp as well as other social media platforms. However, it's worth noting that future Windows 10 updates may include built-in Emoji stickers.

*****

Messages & Wishes - With hundreds of free messages and stickers, this Android app covers most celebrations and occasions. Birthdays, graduations, Valentine's day, Christmas, thank you, sorry and sympathy, parent's days and much more. Tap the message or sticker to share it with your WhatsApp contacts.

4+

Movemojis GIFs Stickers - Developed for iPhone, Movemojis GIFs Stickers features an abundance of animated Stickers for WhatsApp. Simply install, pick the animated GIF you want to use and share it to your WhatsApp chat message. It's regularly updated and good for younger users. www.bdmpublicat1ons.com I 23

24 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

www.bdmpubl1cations.com I 25

26 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons com

It is widely rumoured that despite having over 1.5 billion users to its name, WhatsApp only employs 50 engineers to work on the service. That means there's only one engineer to every thirty million WhatsApp users. Let's hope they don't all try and contact the team at once!

www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 27

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 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.

GJ

CHATS

STATUS

Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

CALLS

GJ

1110112019 Daniel's mobile ,.UNever mind. See you soon.

25/01/2019

A

1110112019 Daniel's mobile - ,.UNever mind. See you soon.

Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

08/01/2019 Test group You created group "Test group"

Test You c

Tap and hold on a chat for more options

1

Pinning chats to the phone's Home screen requires entering a different set of menu options, this time presented along the top of the WhatsApp main window, where the WhatsApp title is located. First, find the chat you want to pin. Tap and hold the chat until a tick appears in the contact's profile picture.

CALLS

STATUS

CHATS

25/01/2019

• •

08/01/2019

group"

Chat pinned

Tap and hold on a chat for more options

2

Along the top of the screen you can now see several new icons. T he icon representing the pin is the one that will pin the chat to the Home screen. Tap it and 'Chat Pinned' appears, along with a pin icon next to the chat. You can now find the chat on your Home screen. � = ,I aa,IJ 1238

REMOVING THE PINS Removing a pinned chat is simply a reversal of the pinning a chat process. Long press the pinned chat and this time the pin icon has a line cut through it. Tap the pin icon again and the chat is unpinned and removed from the Home screen.

� I

l!J

� . � a :

1 CHATS

STATUS

CALLS

ft

Daniel's mobile 1110112019 - ..VNever mind. See you soon. 0 Hannah's mobile simple_smile:

2510112019

Test group

OS/01/2019

You created group lest group T•p and hokl on • chat for more optlont

28 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

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. (!)

CHATS

STATUS

Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

CALLS

25/01 /2019

1110112019 Daniel's mobile ..#Never mind. See you soon.

08/01/2019 Test group You created group "Test group"

1 long Find the chat you want to delete, tap and press it until the tick appears next

to the contact's profile picture and the icons are displayed along the top of the main WhatsApp window. When you're ready to delete the chat, press the bin icon (found next to the pin icon).

Delete chat with "Hannah's mobile"?

D Delete media from my phone CANCEL

DELETE

2 chance Thankfully WhatsApp offers you a last to confirm that you want to delete

the chat, and you didn't long press and hit the button by accident. You can tap Delete to delete the chat but to wipe any stored media associated with the chat, tap the box 'Delete media from my phone' to tick it, then tap Delete.

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.

www.bdmQubl1cat1

•

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.

Mute notifications for...

Hannah's mobile

25/01/2019

:simple_smile:

A

Daniel's mobile

� � (.)

\I

.,f CHA1S

i 51:.1us

mobile A Wi Daniel's

.,1

,c�

1 Week

0

1 Year

D Show notifications

Thankfully there is a solution without resorting to muting your entire device's notification settings. If there's one particular chat that's a little busy and you're about to go into a meeting, open WhatsApp and locate the chat. Tap and long press until the menu icons appear on the top and the contact has a tick next to their profile picture.

'"'='"

0

CANCEL

08/01/2019

1

I

8 Hours

1110112019

- -//Never mind. See you soon.

Test group

®

O \355

� CA.LlS

... . t7to1/2019

I

.J/Nevefmind. SeeYOUSOol"I oeJ01no, Tes\group p "'Tdt QfOUP You created orou

30 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

OK

2

Along the menu icons is a speaker with a line through it, tap it and you are presented with an option menu. This enables you to mute any notifications from that chat for a set period: 8 hours, 1 week and 1 year. While the one year option may be a little extreme, you can at least mute a chat during working hours.

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.

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.

Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

25/01/2019

Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

Daniel's mobile - ..QNever mind. See you soon.

1710112019

08/01/2019 Test group You created group "Test group"

A

1

Test group

08/01/2019

Open your WhatsApp Chat screen and select a chat stream to archive. Tap and long press to activate the top bar menu and then place a tick next to the contact's profile picture. The Archive Chat icon is next to the Mute icon (toward the far-right end of the row of icons), represented by a box with a down-pointing arrow inside.

25/01/2019

Archived chats (1)

2

Tap the Archive icon and the chat disappears from the main Chat screen. At the bottom of all your chats you can see a link for 'Archived chats (l)', with the number stating the amount of archived chats you have. This is where the chat is now held. Tap on it to access the chats hidden away from the main Chat screen.

UN-ARCHIVE CHATS If you want to bring your archived chats back into the main Chat screen, tap on the 'Archived chats' link. From within the archived section, select the chat you want to restore to the main Chat screen, tap and long press for the top menu to appear. Tap the unarchive icon, which this time is represented with an up-facing arrow inside a box, and the chat is restored.

wwwbdmpubllcat1ons.com I 31

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. Wha�p

WhalsApp

n 0.

•

+

(1

Search or start new chat

Hannah's mobile .// :simple_smile: Da111iel's mobile .// Never mind. See you soon.

Test group

0.. 1 25 20 9

1 17 2

9

v

2019

You created group ·rest group•

e

Search or start new chat

Hannah's mobile ..// :simple_smile:

Daniel's mobile .// Never mind. See yo1 Test group You created group "Tes

1

Open WhatsApp Desktop and, if you haven't already, sign in via the QR Code that the desktop displays. Once you've paired the mobile app and the desktop client, you can see the default desktop Start screen, which displays the current chats, groups and your WhatsApp profile. 32 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

2

+

New group Profile Archived

Starred Settings

Log ou1i

Clicking the three horizontal dots in the top of the left-hand pane displays the main WhatsApp options along with some extra choices that require different ways to access when using a mobile. The Archived option, for example, is accessible from here, rather than from the individual chats.

WHATSAPP DESKTOP OPTIONS

3

Each chat also has a set of options. By clicking on the down-facing arrow to the end of the chat, you can access the desktop's version of the mobile top menu icons. These allow you to Archive, Mute, Delete, Pin or Mark as unread - just as in the mobile version.

4

Clicking on a chat, then right­ clicking within the chat window followed by selecting the Contact Info option reveals the contact's details. From there you can also select certain messages, as well as access the usual features such as Mute, Delete and so on.

5

While still in the chat, each individual message has a down­ facing arrow to its right. Clicking this brings up yet another menu where you can reply exclusively to that message, forward it to another contact, Star it (which essentially bookmarks the specific message) or delete it.

•

Hannah's mobile

-i:. 2019

:s1mple_smile

v

Daniel's mobile

Archive chat

..// Never mind. See you soon

Mute

Test group You created group "Test group"

Delete chat Pin chat Mark as unread

Contact info

It's too much hassle. expense and legal nightmare for them.

Select messages

3ges

Mute Clear messages

e number

Delete chat

vvnaracryou call a man wi

1/17/2019

ide the bike cage rning about Thieves work ,n thus area. Make sure tha eked up" Not much you can do about

v

Reply

bike is locke

Forward message vhy they can't take respons1b1lity

Star message 09 8

Delete message

DESKTOP EMOJI The desktop version of WhatsApp also gives you access to the app's main Emoji, Emoticon, Font and icon set, as well as animated GIFs. In a chat simply expand the smiley face to the left of the text entry box and you can choose from the available Emoji.

ttr 201,

www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 33

Block Contact There may come a time when you need to block a contact from being able to message you. 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.

Live location None

I

- - � � =--

�' f-

Blocked contacts

I

.

•

SCretnl0$tlec:tl T1P•!1lthf10PofJO'( contac:11oblodt.

If you don't share your Last S able to see other people's La Messaging

Blocked contacts: None List of contacts that you have bl Read receipts

1

There are two ways in which you can block a contact, effectively stopping your from receiving messages, calls and status updates from them. First tap the contact's profile from the Chats screen, then tap the circled 'i'. Once the contact's profile is displayed, scroll to the bottom and tap Block.

2

T he second way to block a WhatsApp contact requires you to go to Settings > Account > Privacy > Blocked Contacts (found under the Messaging section). Tap to enter Blocked Contacts, and then tap the Person icon with the plus sign to add the contact to the Blocked Contacts list.

UNBLOCKING CONTACTS Unblocking a contact can be done via the Settings> Account> Privacy> Blocked Contacts screen. Select the contact you want to unblock by tapping and holding on their name, then Tap the Unblock 'contact name' option that appears. T he contact is now unblocked and you can receive messages, calls and status updates from them.

34 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

BLOCK CONTACT & REPORT SPAM

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

Mobile

�

••

Starred Messages

>

About and phone number

Other phones

El'

Mobile

0

Block

••

Report spam

�

••

What do you call a man with a seagull on his...

legal ,#

'

1

Block Contact

411

Report spam

,#

Delete chat

Reporting a contact as Spam automatically blocks them as well. To report spam, tap the contact's profile followed by the circled 'i'. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Report Spam. The WhatsApp team review the report and take any necessary actions, such as banning the number.

SPAM AND HOAXES

0

2

Alternatively, if you're using the WhatsApp desktop client then open the contact's information page by right-clicking on a chat and choosing Contact Info. When the contact's info pane is open, scroll to the bottom and click on the Report Spam link. This has the same effect as the mobile version of WhatsApp.

The Internet is full of spam and hoaxes and WhatsApp is no exception. While the company does 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.

www.bdmpublicat1ons.com I 35

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.

f-

New group

2 of 256 selected

Q.

New group

f-

Add subject

Cool Groupl Daniel's

15

l!I

Hannah's

Adam Hayward Available

I

Daniel's mobile What do you call a man with a sea ... Daniel's

Hannah's mobile

..

@

�

�

... ....

......

�

Jaqui Hounsell, Jakie Hey there! I am using WhatsApp.

Karl Linstead Hey there! I am using WhatsApp.

Hannah's

••

v

g .... ....

�

-... ...

-. - . . .. . ... ,a .. ...... "'

J

J

........ J

"

.-, '-

1

Open WhatsApp and from the three vertical dots choose the first option, New Group. A new window opens asking you to select members or participants to be added to the Group. Tap each contact to add and they appear as members at the top of the screen. Tapping the 'X' next to their profile removes them. 36 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

a..

2

'=

@

........ �

>< � .........

-

-

J

Q(u

...... ......

Q ....

�

--........"'

mJ

p

.... ;;:.

-

... ...

- -- -.. - ••

><

"'

�

"'

11

1 1

><...

><

_,

Cl

When you have picked the members that will form the New group in WhatsApp, tap the green arrow at the bottom right of the screen. The following screen requires you to name the group, enter a name up to 25 characters long and tap the smiley face to add any Emoji, or other sticker, to the New group's name.

CREATING A GROUP

REMOVE MEMBERS AND DELETE GROUP You're no longer a participant In this group O participants •

Delete group

,t•

Report spam

f-.

You can remove any members of a group you've created by selecting the Group Info, then tapping and holding each user and selecting Remove from the menu. To delete a group, first remove each member one at a time, then tap Exit Group for yourself followed by Exit. You can then tap Delete Group.

Cool Group

Daniel's. Hannah's, You

:•

Exit group Add chat shortcut

TODAY

a

Messages to this group are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info.

O

You created group "Cool Group·

roup info Cool Grou1 G You created Mark as unread Hannah's mobile :simple_smile:

25/01/2019

1110112019 Daniel's mobile -#Never mind. See you soon.

B Hi Group!! �� I

Tap and hold on a chat for more options

3

Tap the green tick w hen you're ready and the Group is created with the selected members included. Any messages you enter are seen by the group members and likewise any messages they enter are seen by you and everyone else in the group. Just as w ith a normal WhatsApp chat, you can enter Emoji, GIFs and attachments.

4

The New group appears in your Chats screen for mobile, as well as on the desktop client (sometimes you may need to close the desktop version down, then re-open to see the group if it doesn't first appear). For Group information, tap and hold the Group on the Chats screen, followed by the three vertical dots and Group Info from the menu. www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 37

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.

New group

f-

New broadcast 2 of 256 selected

Q.

New broadcast Hannah's r WhatsApp Web :simple_� Starred messages

Daniel's

Hannah's

Adam Hayward Available

Daniel's m, Settings ...UNever mi

I

Daniel's mobile What do you call a man with a sea...

Tap and hold on a chat for more options

Hannah's mobile

Jaqui Hounsell, Jakie Hey there! I am using WhatsApp. Karl Linstead Hey there! I am using WhatsApp.

1

You can set up a Broadcast List for contacts to whom you regularly want to send messages, without wanting to add them to a Group (Broadcast Lists are an excellent privacy feature when talking to numerous people). Start by tapping the three vertical dots, then choose New Broadcast from the menu. 38 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

2

Like when creating a Group, you need to select the recipients to whom you want to broadcast your messages. Tap each contact you want to include in the list and they are added to the top of the screen. Tap the 'X' next to their profile image to remove them from the list.

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.

f-.

2 recipients

•:

tap here for broadcast list info TODAY

i Messages to this broadcast list are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info.

Daniel's mobile

11:10

-/ It's the coolest group ever! You created a broadcast list with 2 recipients

Daniel's, Hannah's

11:07

You created a broadcast list with 2 re ...

Hello All! Hope you're

l!!I having a great day!

cs

.. � ""

@

•• � ""

.. ••)

3

�

A A

9 t:P • =l � " ....

.........

·� ....... )

..

� '-'

-)

><

� ,.......

�

-- .--

.......

25/01/2019

:simple_smile:

p

Im

Q ....

0

Hannah's mobile

Tap and hold on a chat for more options

I'"''"' ,,,.,

...... ....... ><

........,. ,......

...--

-...--

,......

Tap the green tick in the corner to finish the process and you are taken to a chat screen; as with normal and Group chats, you can enter your message and include any Emoji, animated GIFs or attachments. Tap the green right-facing arrow to send your message to the chosen contacts.

4

By tapping back to the main Chats screen, the new Broadcast list is added to the available messages and Groups you already have. When sending another Broadcast to the same contacts, tap the list and enter your message. Each user will reply individually, without the others in the list knowing. www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 39

Formatting Text

f-.

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. Cool Group

:

You

Italic text

52

Bold text

I 53 ...!

TODAY i Messages to this group are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info. You created group 'Cool Group" You removed Daniel's mobile

Italic text

2

For Bold text, put an asterisk on either side 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.

52 ...1

Italic text

52

Bold text Strikethrough text

1

Enter a chat and either select text you've already written or with new text, enter: _Text_. This displays the text as Italics.

voucr

ITALIC STRIKETHROUGH

3

Monospace Font text

Strikethrough and Monospace Font text 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, tap the three vertical dots that appear with the text and scroll down to choose Bold, Italic, Strikethrough or Monospace.

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.

Italic text

QUOTING WITH THE DESKTOP VERSION

52 ./

Bold text 1 53 ./ Stril(ethrough text Monospace Font text

56./

Formatting text in WhatsApp.

If you want to quote some text via the desktop version of WhatsApp the process is a little different. First open the chat and find the line of text you want to quote. Hover the mouse pointer over the text and a down-pointing arrow appears to the right of the text bar. Click the arrow, followed by Reply. You can now reply in the same way as the mobile version.

1

To quote text, first open a message and locate what it is you want to quote. Tap and press the text to highlight it and call up a set of icons at the top of the screen.

x

You

Formatting text in WhatsApp.

g It's really easy!I

cg

.. �

@

•• � ,..,..

'-"

2

g � ,.. ...

'-"

v

......

� ........

�

£cil

@ > <

�

Ci) ...

�

.

-- � ......

0 p

,....,...

,..,

Message info

1/17/2019

Nevermmd. w w

._.

Tap the first icon on the left, the curved arrow pointing to the left, and the highlighted 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.

TODAY

,-

Reply Forward message Star message

oe)

Delete message It's the coolest group ever!

v

You Its the coolest group ever•

@

Type a message

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 41

How to Secure Yourself onWhatsApp 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. � ..ii

I

f-

Account

f-

J

I 11 00

Two-step verification

0

Privacy Security Two-step verification

For added security, enable two-step verification, which will require a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp again.

Change number Delete my account

1

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

2

Thankfully, WhatsApp already :.::: encrypts and secures messages sent from one device to another. This means that your data can't be intercepted and read. However, you can opt to view security notifications if a contact's security setting has been altered. This is in the Settings> Account > Security menu.

42 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

3

FIUHIM

For added security you can opt _, for two-step authentication, which requires a PIN when registering your phone number with WhatsApp. This is an absolute must for those who use the app regularly.

HOW TO SECURE YOURSELF ON WHATSAPP

'-' WhatsApp Version:

2.17.223 (451863)

Size:

29.00 MB

Package Name: com.whatsapp

Permission

7

Un install

You can block all images from 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.

4

Beyond WhatsApp itself, make sure that your phone or tablet is securely locked with an access PIN, pattern, facial or finger print recognition system. This way, should you lose your phone, its locked against anyone who tries to access it and WhatsApp.

5

Generally you're not able to add __, users to your chat list if you don't already have them in your contacts list. However, clever phishing scams can have a victim add a contact, who can them message them using WhatsApp. Just as with all social media platforms, be wary of phishing attacks.

6

You can block users via the '-:' WhatsApp Web feature. Log into WhatsApp Web and click on the three horizontal dots by your profile picture. Then click Settings and from there click the Blocked option. You can select contacts to block from WhatsApp.

8

If you don't want WhatsApp contacts to see where you've been, you need to disable the Last Seen option within the Privacy settings. This prevents other users from 'seeing' your movements. Should a malicious contact be added, then they will never know where you are or have been.

9

Be wary of scams where you're be contacted through other social media accounts informing you that your WhatsApp account has been compromised. These often request you to add a so-called legitimate contact, who in reality isn't, or visit a webpage that's riddled with malware.

10

If you use WhatsApp Web it's always best to ensure that you've logged out of it correctly before leaving your computer. The last thing you need is for someone to come over to your computer and view any personal conversations between you and your contacts.

www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 43

www.bdmpub\1cat1ons.com I 45

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.

B

eing the world's most popular chat app can't be easy. The developers issue an update and succeed in making one half of the WhatsApp population happy, while the other half take to other social media platforms to vehemently voice their disgust. You manage to swat one identified scam, and another two come along to take its place. You increase safety and privacy, and it annoys the users with the additional layers of security. It would seem that as a WhatsApp developer you're facing a never-ending battle of compromises. As a parent or guardian, though, WhatsApp has introduced a new entry point into your child's web of protection that you have so carefully , weaved since the day they were born. It's this potential chink in the barrier that causes ,..., some of the most Just loctie.:k di above?Betorelcf • dYOIJ send lflelhe k documented issues with � ontheiiikx regards to WhatsApp. 1 UNRfAO MESSA()£

I think it's a seam50oy

- -

+

OWERTYu1op ASDFGHJKL �ZXCVBNM •

Protecting young adults, remember you need to be 16 to legally use WhatsApp, is at the forefront of the modern-day Internet,

Scams are rife throughout the Internet 46 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

and its varying platforms that connect everything. Chat rooms, and platforms that enable chatting to others, have been around since the beginning of interconnected computers, and they've all inherently had to deal with the same issues: other users. Most WhatsApp chats are friendly exchanges between those who know each other, in groups or individually. However, there's always a sinister aspect lurking in the background waiting for an opportunity to invade a chat. Back in the day, before mobile devices, chat rooms employed an admin to carefully monitor the public chat. Should someone appear and start to steer the chat population toward a topic that breached the rules of the chatroom, then the admin had the ability to stop the wayward stream of words and either issue a warning, or completely ban the individuals from the room altogether. This admin level user regulated the conversations, and it mostly kept scams and forms of social engineering to a minimum. Users could participate in private chats, but if they felt uncomfortable at any point, they could easily invite the admin and let them see what was going on. It worked, to a degree. WhatsApp doesn't have an admin user, or a parental figure looking over the chat stream, to quickly put a stop to anything untoward. In many respects, this level of freedom from an overarching big brother is a good thing, but it does mean that the aforementioned sinister element often has free reign over its victims, sometimes to devastating effect.

WHATSAPP ISSUES

THE MOMO EFFECT

L

et's take a look at one such disturbing WhatsApp issue that ended in the deaths of a number of young people.

started appearing; requesting the reader kill themselves or 'something' will come for their family.

The Momo Challenge, or Momo Suicide Challenge, is believed to have originated in South America. A creepy image of a face was displayed on the screen, or a video, with the words: "Hi, I'm Momo. I want to play with you. Look for a knife in your kitchen and cut your little hands. If you don't, Momo will come after you..."; or words to that effect.

Needless to say, local police, children safety organisations, and other such charities issued letters, posters, and advice to help guardians, teachers, parents, and carers deal with WhatsApp and Internet safety. Unfortunately, this opened the door for other similar trends to appear baiting people into committing harmful acts, or handing over money or information.

Sadly, it was reported that some youngsters did hurt themselves as a result of this message. Other copycat messages soon

It's patently clear WhatsApp has its issues, but when used safely it can be a fantastic tool to stay in contact.

••••o Meteor 9

9:44 a.m.

( Chats

Elaine online Cool, see you later babe x

You get my Christmas present yet?

90s and OOs Chatrooms were often moderated

No li Just tell me what you want? How long have we been going out? Two years, why? We're going out two years and you still don't have a clue what to get me for a Christmas present? -' Just tell me!!! �

11

m 5

p

,././

No. Get what YOU think I'd like, I trust your judgement. 6 3:l

,././

Keep the receipts though ..

WhatsApp works fine, when used properly

The Momo Challenge is one of WhatsApp many safety issues

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 47

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

T

hose of you who are in charge of a young person, here's some tips to help keep them safe in 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. 48 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

STEPS TO HELP PROTECT USERS

FOR KIDS

Y

ou may well know more about WhatsApp and the Internet than the previous generation, but 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.

NSPCC

v

Cruelty to children must stop. FULL STOP.

Ask for Help - Talk to someone. It's important for the parents and guardians to talk to you, but you also need to learn to talk to them, or someone in a position of care, about how you're feeling. If you feel you're being a victim of a scam, then reach out to a parent, teacher, the NSPCC, or even the police.

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 of the Internet, the charity has adopted an increased online role, and is considered one of the best sources of safety advice and help today.

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 49

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 we aker, different, or purely out of spite. Now, however, they have the ability to bully from the Internet.

ONLINE BULLYING

C

yberbullying is when someone uses the Internet, email, online gaming, social media, and any other kind of digital platform to threaten, tease, humiliate, or upset someone else. Both the bully and the victim of the bullying can be any age, from very young children up to late teens and beyond, 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. True cyberbullying, however, is the persistent harassment of an individual. The cyberbully will goad, threaten, send nasty messages, even take images of the victim and Photoshop them in inappropriate situations, through the use of many different forms of online communications. 50 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

It's a sad fact too, that a lot of young people are already in a heightened emotional state over their body image, thanks to the media and unrealistic Photoshopping of celebrities. Where young people, especially young teens, are very conscious of their image, a slight remark to someone can impact the young person in an incredibly negative way.

Social Media - Probably one of the main platforms for cyberbullying, social media is an ideal hunting ground for the cyberbully. The effects of social media bullying have been devastating on some families. Teen suicides, self harm, and elevated cases of depression among young people are widespread in the media, and bring to light just how powerful and dangerous social media is as a communications tool.

CYBERBULLYING

Facebook, Twitter, lnstagram, 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.

Online Gaming - Another prime source of modern cyberbullying; online gaming has proved to be, for some, a vicious place to inhabit. The problem with online gaming, of course, is that the bullying comes from anywhere in the world. There are cases of gamers targeting females, different religions, or those who come from different parts of the world. With the use of headsets, the gaming cyberbullies are able to shout threats and taunt other gamers, rallying others around them until the victims feel overwhelmed by bullies.

There are numerous games that have adopted a more sport-friendly approach, introducing policies whereby instances of bulling can be reported and the bullies themselves have their gaming accounts suspended. Often online gaming bullying is just someone shouting 'Noob' at another, degrading the victim as a newcomer, or someone who isn't as good as them. Other times the bully will say things like 'I hope you die', or, 'I'm coming to kill you', or something similar. In short, any abusive behaviour, including destroying your online game creations or belongings, is a form of bullying.

Another aspect of cyberbullying via text message is sexting. This is when someone takes an explicit image, or video, of themselves and sends it to someone else. Sometimes, a person can bully someone into sending them images, or videos, of the victim, then send those images on to others or upload them to popular sites and inform an entire group of their location. Email - Sending abusive emails is a large area of concern for those involved in protecting young people from cyberbullying. As we've seen, the double-edged blade of anonymity can cut both ways: it'll protect your identity online, but it can also hide an individual who is bullying someone. Anonymous emails sent from a bully can be just as harmful as social media, online gaming and texting. It's a more personal form of bullying, much like having an abusive letter addressed and posted directly to you.

Cyberbullying covers many different forms and platforms. It can be a single, throwaway comment, a like on a Facebook comment, or just someone calling someone else a 'noob'; it can be very serious indeed, including death threats, threats of violence, or the sending or posting of explicit images or videos. www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 51

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

Y

ou may think you're not the sort of person to 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, 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.

DON'T BECO ME A VICTIM

Y

ou may think you're not the sort of person to 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. 52 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

SOCIAL ENGINEERING

1

Slow Down: Many scammers want you to react quickly, as a matter of urgency. Take a moment to figure out what's going on, and don't fall for any high-pressure tactics. Ask for half-an­ hour to call a friend for advice. ,_

2

Never give out any password information: A bank will never ask you for your password, they'll never call you up, or send a text message requesting to enter your password, nor will they ask you for other personal information relating to your account. Treat all requests as suspect and don't give out any of your passwords. ·-

3

Don't engage: While it's fun to taunt a ·-: scam mer on the other end of the telephone, telling them that the only computer you own is a Commodore 64, it's really not worth it. They know they're scamming, you know they're scamming, so just put the phone down and ignore them.

4

Research everything: Locate your bank or credit card company's webpage and follow any links to known social engineering scams. Read all the information you can gather about the techniques and tricks used and arm yourself with that knowledge prior to any contact from a scammer. The more you know, the less likely you'll be hoodwinked.

5

Beware of attachments: Email attachments are an excellent way of distributing malware, viruses, and hacking scripts to your computer. If you receive an email claiming to be offering you a deal of a lifetime and requesting you simply open the attached file, then it's almost certainly a virus. Research the sender and the best advice is to delete the email. •

www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com I 53

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

W

e've put together some tips to help you train your mind into being able to handle some 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.

54 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

STAYING SAFE ON WHATSAPP

GET ALIFE! 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.

3 Get some positivity.

It may seem 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.

4 Avoid spoilers!

One of the biggest 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.

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 55

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!

H

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

56 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons com

WhatsApp

Use WhatsApp on your phone to scan the code ;11:�rnt�r'I toteoamcdtd.t.l��,oia"'1::lrlttoM-r

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS

SHOPPING VOUCHERS � ·iw..

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.

'� , last seen today at 3:22 pm

••

�

YESTERDAY Hello, ASDA is giving away £250 Free Voucher to celebrate 68th anniversary, go here to get it: http://www. asda. com/mycoupon Enjoy and thanks me later !. 11 :06 AM

Valid for today only- Monday, 28 Ma, 2018

We are giving 2500 free pair of shoes to celebrate our 69 anniversary Remaining Pairs: Loading

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.

Please take part in the opinion survey first:

�

Change number

../

NEXT

Please enter your old country code and phone number: -t

91

old phone number

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.

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 57

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.

1

WhatsApp is encrypted and secure, so it's ideal to have on your device when on holiday, especially as texting may not be an option, but before you contact home when you're abroad, or just out and about in your own country, it's worth knowing that data charges can quickly mount up. 58 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

2

Always make sure you're connected to a local Wi-Fi hotspot when you use WhatsApp. Hotspots aren't always secure (we'll get to that in a second), but they're free, so they won't burn up your valuable monthly data allowance. For added digital safety read the privacy and security sections in this book.

PHONE HOME ...

CyberGhosfvPN

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, Chr ome, Firefox and more. With 256-bit encryption, your data is safe and your device secure when using CyberGhost.

• • • • • • • • •

-

Q) @G) @) ®@

(z) ®® ®

0

3

When using a free Wi-Fi hotspot, ensure that you're connected to a VPN. Using a VPN will further encrypt your communications between the hotspot and the Internet, stopping man-in-the-middle interception attacks. Sign up to a good VPN before leaving for your hols.

4

Use additional security on your device, such as a fingerprint Lock Screen. Enable all the relevant security features of WhatsApp, and make sure your phone/device is always within sight and reach. Then in the worst-case scenario of losing your device, all your data and WhatsApp history won't be leaked online. www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 59

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

U

Australia then your IP address would appear as if you were actually sat at a desktop Down Under.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is, essentially, a server or group of servers in a remote location with which you'll connect through a client. The VPN servers will then hide your Internet-bound IP address with their own, so for example, if you're connected to a VPN that's located in

The benefits of this are many, but mainly a VPN will allow you to access region restricted websites, protect you from tracking, and shield your browsing activities from those who want to find out where you are personally based. Obviously there comes a negative side, in the form of being able to access content that your country has deemed illegal for some reason. But

sing a VPN can help hide your online presence. While this may seem like an ideal way to get to illegal content, it's actually designed to help fight for your basic right to Internet and digital privacy.

Using a VPN will protect your access online, and filter all your Internet traffic through its secure service

60 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

WHAT IS A VPN?

on the positive, VPNs have allowed people in countries with extraordinarily tight restrictions to get access to the outside world; often enabling them to report to the world what's going on in their own country. For most users with a VPN, however, they're able to gain access to TV channels in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world. But it's not always about being able to moderately 'cheat the system' by forcing the Internet to think you're somewhere other than where you actually are; remote workers and employees, who live in other countries, can connect to company VPNs and use the company's network resources as if they were physically sat in the building. The connection from your computer to the VPN server, via the client, is usually secure to the tune of 256-bit encryption levels, depending on the VPN company which hosts the service. All your Internet traffic will filter through the VPN server's systems, offering multiple layers of protection from viruses,

You

I

VPN Connection Geo-location Internet Services

I

Internet

malware and, naturally, privacy. Beyond the other possible scenarios, using a VPN while you're abroad, working in a hotel for example, will enable you to access your home country's services and work resources. One more element that's worth mentioning: using Wi-Fi hotspots is one of the biggest security risk for travellers, and using a VPN can effectively improve your security while using a cafe's free Wi-Fi. Mobile operating systems do allow connection to a VPN through the OS Settings, however, the more common, and in some respects, easier method, is to use the client which most VPNs now offer as standard. The client is often simply a connection window that will ask you your login details, then provide you with a method for connecting to any of provider's geo-location servers - listed by country. Once the choice is made, simply click the Connect box and within a few seconds, your IP address will be located within the chosen country.

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

Head Office

l t -----------------------------------------------------------------------------www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 61

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

T

o better understand encryption it's worth taking a moment to learn about its origins, how it has been developed over the years, and how it applies to our modern communications.

The word encryption comes from the ancient Greek word Kryptos, which means hidden or secret. Interestingly, the use of hiding messages from others can be traced back to early Egyptian scribes who inserted non-standard hieroglyphs within other communications in order to hide the message from casual viewers. According to historians, the Spartans used strips of leather with engraved messages. When the flat strips were read they were meaningless, but when wrapped around a

Encryption is the act of protecting your data from prying eyes

62 I www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com

staff of a certain diameter the characters would be decipherable. Of course, the modern forms of encryption are far more advanced, but the overall core concept has remained the same: to be able to send a message to others without anyone else being able to decipher the message. However, modern encryption now requires more than simply sending coded messages. Not only is confidentiality required, encryption must also perform a level of authentication, so the origin of the communication can be verified; integrity of the communications, where both the sender and those who receive the communication can be ensured that the message hasn't been altered in-between; and some form of

WHAT IS ENCRYPTION?

Forms of encryption can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, using non­ standard hieroglyphs nonrepudiation, where the sender cannot deny having sent the communication in the first place. During the early digital age, the only users of encryption were the government and military, and between them, they created a set of algorithms and standards to protect the communication on the battlefield, and from one government agency to the next. As technology advanced, these algorithms grew in complexity and it wasn't long before the military-based forms of encryption were being used in commercial modes of communications. Within a few short years, bank transfers, cash withdrawals, and data sent to and from modems, began utilising these new protocols to protect sensitive information. Today, we're regularly seeing and using devices that boast 'military grade 256-bit AES' forms of encryption, a standard that is regarded as near-impossible to break without spending billions on specialist hardware and software. In plain English, the modern form of encryption takes data and passes it through an algorithm together with a key. This creates a garbled file of characters that can only be clearly read if the correct key is applied to decrypt the data. Algorithms today are divided into two categories: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric key ciphers use the same key to both encrypt and decrypt data. The most popular symmetric cipher is AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), developed by the military and governments to protect communications and data. This is a fast form of decryption that requires the sender to exchange the key used to encrypt the data

with the recipient before they're able to read the contents. Asymmetric key ciphers are also known as public-key cryptography and utilise two mathematically linked keys: public and private. The public key can be shared with everyone and is usually generated by software, or provided by a designated authority. The private key is something that's usually only known by the individual user. Interestingly, both types of keys can be applied in situations where one user has a public key and another a private key, which combine to form a shared encryption level. These keys are many characters in length, making it nigh impossible for someone to Brute Force hack them. The Brute Force method involves using a program on a computer to try every possible combination of a key until the correct one is found. In the case of the 256-bit encryption, it would take 2256 different combinations to break the key. If you were able to force one trillion keys per second, it would still take you somewhere in the region of 1057 years in order to crack 256-bit encryption. However, a powerful computer can probably manage around two billion calculations per second, so in theory it would take 9.250 years for your standard desktop to crack it. Bear in mind that the universe has theoretically only been in existence for 1.410 years. Numbers as big as that are generally far too mind-boggling to comprehend, suffice to say that if you're able to use 256-bit encryption for your communications, or to protect your data, then you're going to be protected for at least seven times the current age of the universe. www.bdmpubl1cat1ons com I 63

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.

A

VPN, as we've discussed already, enables you to connect to a remote server, which gives your computer, or device, an alternative IP address and encases all your communications to and from the device, and the Internet, inside a highly encrypted bubble of protection. It's a fantastic service and if you haven't already, you should really consider adopting it.

One of the main issues, that has since been patched, was that the encryption keys could be intercepted when WhatsApp made a connection to an offline user. The message would then wait until the user was back online before issuing a new encryption key. It was possible for a clever hacker to 'read' the encryption key and thus gain access to the communications between the users.

WhatsApp offers a high level of encryption between you and other users, meaning that without the right encryption keys, someone won't be able to intercept a WhatsApp message and read its contents. However, there have been some security issues brought to light in recent years involving WhatsApp.

While it was a security flaw, and one the media clung to like a vampire bat, it was something that for several reasons wouldn't normally happen to the average user. For one, the hacker would need to be very, very good in order to be able to 'read' the encryption key, and they would have had to

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

64 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons.com

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 the WhatsApp client. Another, WhatsApp, as soon as it was made aware of the flaw, quickly pushed out an update to all devices, and all versions; so unless you had not updated your device, and were also unlucky enough to be the target for a secret agent level hacker, then you were reasonably safe. A more recent discovery by an Israeli security company, confirmed that it was possible to get access to a device's operating system and, in turn, get access to the WhatsApp client and messages - rendering the WhatsApp end-to-end encryption model pointless. The vulnerability was created using spyware called Pegasus, and allowed a remote user to access the devices camera, microphone, desktop, apps and back-end OS specifics. What's more, according to security experts, the spyware can be transmitted to a device simply by calling it.

GO VPN

Naturally, this causes all manner of security issues. While the WhatsApp client is secure, the operating system it sits on isn't. This is where a VPN comes in handy. When you connect to a VPN service, your entire data stream, all the packets leaving and entering your device, are encrypted.

That means anything that tries to intercept them will end up reading through pages of encrypted garbage instead of pure text logs of your device. A common method of device hacking employed is a man-in-the-middle attack, where someone has created a fake Wi-Fi point, piggybacked off a real Wi-Fi hotspot. An unsuspecting user will connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot, believing it to be the one belonging to the cafe, for example, but in actual fact, they've connected to the hacker's device. The hacker can then filter all data from a device through their various tools of the trade, before allowing it to exit via the real Wi-Fi hotspot. The user doesn't suspect a thing, but the hacker now has clear access to any data sent and received, and can read it at their leisure. Using a VPN will encrypt your data, even if it has spyware installed, and make it impossible for the hacker to be able to read the information sent to and from your device.

GET A GOOD AV

Further advice, beyond using a VPN, is to ensure that your device is up-to-date. Frequently check the OS updates as well as all the installed apps. Also, look into getting a good Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware client for your device. It may cause it to slow slightly, but it's better than being hacked.

A VPN encrypts data to and from your device

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 65

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.

66 I www.bdmpublicat1ons.com

••• 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.

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 67

WHATSAPP SECURITY FOR GUARDIANS

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 Tomorrow

BTAM Be that as it May

GR8 Great

2nte Tonight

C·P Sleepy

HAK Hugs and Kisses

AEAP As Early as Possible

CTN Cannot talk now

IDC I Don't Care

AL AP As Late as Possible

cus

IDK I Don't Know

ASAP As Soon as Possible

CWOT Complete Waste of Time

ILU / ILY I Love You

See You Soon

ASL Age I Sex I Location? CY T See You Tomorrow 83 Blah, Blah, Blah E123 Easy as 1, 2, 3 B4YKI EM? Before You Know it Excuse Me? BFF Best Friends, Forever EOD End of Day BM&Y Between Me and You F2F Face to Face BRB Be right Back FC Fingers Crossed BRT Be right T here FOAF Friend of a Friend

68 I www.bdmpubllcat1ons com

IMU I Miss You

KPC Keeping Parents Clueless L8R Later LOL Laugh Out Loud MoF Male or Female MTFBWY May the Force be with You

IRL In Real Life

MYOB Mind Your Own Business

J/K Just Kidding

N·A·Y·L In a While

JC Just Checking

NAZ Name, Address, ZIP

JTLYK NC Just to Let You Know No Comment KFY NIMBY Kiss for You Not in my Backyard KMN NM Kill Me Now Never Mind I Nothing Much

TEXT LANGUAGE GLOSSARY

NP

No Problem

NSFW

Not Safe for Work

NTIM

Not that it Matters

NVM

Never Mind

OATUS

PAW

SMIM

PIR

Parent in Room

Significant Other

POS

TMI

Parents are Watching

Too Much Information

PROP(S)

Your/You Are

OIC

Oh, I See

QT

OMW

On My Way

RN

OTL

Out to Lunch

RU

OTP

SEP

P911

Parent Alert

PAL

Parents are Listening

so

Parent over Shoulder

Proper Respect On a totally I Proper Unrelated Subject Recognition

On the Phone

Send Me an Instant Message

Cutie Right Now

Are You

Someone else's Problem

SITD

Still in the Dark

SLAP

UR

ws

Wait

WB

Welcome Back

WYCM

Will You Call Me?

WYWH Wish You Were Here

xoxoxox

Hugs, Kisses, ...

YMMD

You made my Day

Sounds like a Plan

www.bdmpubl1cat1ons.com I 69

Mac Book

Tricks and Tips

macOS

Catalina

Tricks and Tips

[..] Black Dog Media Master Your Tech

From Beginner to Expert

To continue learning more about your tech visit us at:

www.bdmpublications.com

FREE Tech Guides

WhatsApp Tricks and Tips 2nd Edition

ISBN: 978-1-912847-72-3 Published by: Papercut Limited Digital distribution by: Readly AB, Zinio, Magzter, Cafeyn, PocketMags

© 2020 Papercut Limited All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system or integrated into any other publication, database or commercial programs without the express written permission of the publisher. Under no circumstances should this publication and its contents be resold, loaned out or used in any form by way of trade without the publisher's written permission. While we pride ourselves on the quality of the information we provide, Papercut Limited reserves the right not to be held responsible for any mistakes or inaccuracies found within the text of this publication. Due to the nature of the tech industry, the publisher cannot guarantee that all apps and software will work on every version of device. It remains the purchaser's sole responsibility to determine the suitability of this book and its content for whatever purpose. Any app images reproduced on the front and back cover are solely for design purposes and are not representative of content. We advise all potential buyers to check listing prior to purchase for confirmation of actual content. All editorial opinion herein is that of the

reviewer - as an individual - and is not representative of the publisher or any of its affiliates. Therefore the publisher holds no responsibility in regard to editorial opinion and content. This is an independent publication and as such does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the producers of apps or products contained within. This publication is 100% unofficial. All copyrights, trademarks and registered trademarks for the respective companies are acknowledged. Relevant graphic imagery reproduced with courtesy of brands and products. Additional images contained within this publication are reproduced under licence from Shutterstock. Prices, international availability, ratings, titles and content are subject to change. All information was correct at time of publication. Some content may have been previously published in other volumes or titles.

P.

Papercul Limited � Registered in England & Wales No: 4308513