WhatsApp Gets End-To-End Encryption: What It Means And How To Use It

I dont know about you, but since i was up all night, while i was on WhatsApp chatting with my friend before dozzing off to bed, i realized that WhatsApp notified me that  my messages are now secured with end-to-end encryption. I admit that i had a slight shock since i dont understand what it means. Questions were running through my mind, and i finally found out what it means after doing some research.

So if you've been informed with the same message, then it just means that you have an updated version of the app. Whatsapp has been working on with Whisper Systems last year, and in short, it means that whatsapp has made chats to be more secured, protecting privacy and providing security.

What is End-To-End Encryption?

To keep things simple, end-to-end encryption means that messages you send can only be read and by the receiver you intend to read it. No one outside can see what you sent, and that includes cyber criminals, hackers, oppressive regimes or even whatspap itself! And to reassure it, whatsapp has released a whitepaper detailing the process that shows whatsapps commitment to users security and privacy.

At the moment, nothing is required to turn the encryption on. As long as the latest version of the app is installed, communication is encrypted. You can check if a chat is encrypted by opening the chat, by:

1. Tapping on the chat name at the top of the screen
2. Checking if the lock icon is shut

I hope this helps! So, i guess you dont need to worry as much to know that your chats are now safer than before. You can always visit https://blog.whatsapp.com for an update of their softwares.

Sara xx