This is how you can identify and protect yourself from malicious WhatsApp messages – Enseñame de Ciencia

With the increasing use of WhatsApp as a communication platform, the presence of malicious messages seeking personal information and threatening the security of users has also increased.

It is important to be careful and take steps to protect yourself from these cyber attacks. Next, we present to you Practical tips To identify and block malicious messages on WhatsApp, thus ensuring your online privacy and security.

1. Be wary of messages from unknown senders

If you receive messages from numbers you don’t know, it’s recommended to be careful. These messages may contain links or request sensitive personal information. It is always best to avoid interacting with them, and if necessary, block and report the contact.

2. Be aware of unbelievable deals

Cyber ​​criminals often use tempting promotions, fake gifts or prizes to lure people in. If you receive a message that seems to offer you something unusually valuable for no apparent reason, be careful and don’t share personal information or click on suspicious links.

3. Update your WhatsApp regularly

Keeping WhatsApp up to date is essential, as updates often include important security improvements. Make sure you have the latest version installed on your device to take advantage of the latest protections and security fixes.

4. Pay attention to language and errors

Malicious messages often contain grammatical errors, misspellings, or strange use of words. If you notice these signs in a message, it is recommended to block and report the sender to avoid potential risks.

5. Check URLs carefully before clicking

Cyber ​​criminals can share links that appear legitimate but actually take you to malicious websites. Before clicking on any link, be sure to check the URL carefully and look for any oddities, such as misspellings or strange characters. If something seems suspicious to you, avoid accessing the link.

The following could be a clear example of a malicious URL in WhatsApp:

https://ẉhatsapp.com/free-tickets

At first glance, this association may seem legitimate and tempting. It even has the “S” security certificate in the “HTTPS” protocol, which can build trust among less concerned users. However, upon looking closely, you can notice an important detail: the first letter instead of being a WhatsApp “w”, is actually a “w” with a dot under it, labeled “ẉ”. This small change may go unnoticed, but it betrays its questionable and insidious origin.

6. Be wary of identity verification requests outside of the app

Attackers can send messages requesting to perform identity verification steps outside the application, citing security reasons. WhatsApp will never ask you to perform these types of actions outside of the official app. If you receive such a request, please ignore it and do not share personal information.

7. Use end-to-end WhatsApp encryption

WhatsApp protects your chats with end-to-end encryption, which means your messages are secure while they are being sent. Make sure that this function is enabled for you and your contacts for added security.

8. Be aware of other types of malicious messages

In addition to generic messages and fake offers, cybercriminals can also use fake surveys, spam reward alerts, messages from known banking institutions, or even unknown contact names to carry out their attacks. Be careful and be wary of any message that looks suspicious.

Remember that your security on the Internet depends on you. Although WhatsApp implements security measures, it is imperative for every user to be vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves from malicious messages.

By being aware of the potential risks and following the above guidelines, you can enjoy Safer and more secure experience when using WhatsApp and other instant messaging applications.