The Security Risks of WhatsApp Calling and How a VPN Can Help

WhatsApp is one of the most popular social media platforms available specifically for calling or messaging. Its significance increased when Facebook purchased WhatsApp. Its no-ad feature caught everyone’s attention and soon became one of the most used platforms.

However, due to some reasons, WhatsApp soon started facing blocks in different regions. China, for instance, banned WhatsApp for government reasons, whereas UAE wanted to make its calling applications more popular. Not only that, but WhatsApp also began to show signs of security risks to users, which alarmed the users, rightfully so. 

Kinds of Security Risks

A few ways have been figured out by which users’ data are in danger with WhatsApp. We are listing some of them down for your better understanding of the situation. 

Government’s Access-

Governments of each country where WhatsApp is used are able to access the users’ data shared on WhatsApp. The encryption system that WhatsApp provides is easily breakable by any government hence none of the data are in safe hands. If a government is able to break encryption, imagine how easy it is for hackers to do the same.

Weak Encryption-

The communication system has an end-to-end encryption feature that safeguards your data from unauthorized third-party access. End-to-end encryption is a secure method of communication where only the sender and receiver can access the data being transmitted.

This ensures that no third party can intercept or access the information during transmission. Most mobile communication apps have a basic encryption system. However, its basic encryption system does not provide a guarantee for protecting your online privacy.

Connected to Facebook-  

Facebook technically keeps almost all data from its users. It is quite apparent from the ads they keep showing. Whenever you browse something on the internet, you will somehow find the same sponsored ad on Facebook, proving Facebook keeps your backlogs. Now, since WhatsApp is also under Facebooks’s surveillance, it is possible that Facebook will collect data from WhatsApp users as much as they like.

How are VPNs helpful?

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, have their own set of protocols that are heavily based on users’ privacy and security. They create a different route for user data to pass through instead of the regular route that is visible to everyone. Suppose your ISP (internet service provider) keeps a keen eye on your browsing history.

This is a way to limit your bandwidth and prevent you from enjoying streaming or gaming. The VPN you connect your device to creates an ambiguous IP address that does not nearly match your original IP address hence your ISP is clueless about what you are doing online. This is the privacy part of the VPN service. Now, let us discuss how it can help WhatsApp to become secure for its users.

WhatsApp Security with VPN

Encryption-VPNs have their own encryption protocol. The best one at this moment is the AES-256 military-grade encryption that is practically impossible for hackers to see through. It has not ever been cracked and is rendered safe for users. WhatsApp users can use a VPN on their devices to encrypt the data that they are transferring through WhatsApp, including their personal details. 

Geo-blocks – VPNs have the ability to change IP addresses, as we know. This helps in getting rid of geo-restrictions too. Once you connect your VPN to your device, you can choose a server of a location of your choice. For example, if you are a resident of the UAE, you cannot access the calling feature of WhatsApp without a VPN.

So, you would connect your device to a server where WhatsApp is available, such as in India, Bangladesh, or the USA. Any of these servers will enable you to use WhatsApp without breaking a sweat. Not only WhatsApp, but VPNs have the ability to unblock other regionally blocked websites too. 

Many other VPN protocols and features come in handy for VPN users. VPNs have a Kill-switch, which is precisely what the name suggests. It kills your internet connection the moment your VPN connection drops. This secures all your data from being exposed to the internet without your permission. 

VPN companies have a no-log policy which literally means they do not keep any logs of users’ data. Moreover, VPNs should have a 24-hour support system that attends to any issues a user is likely to face. 

Recommendation 

Before recommending an application, we do our own research. Symlex VPN is the perfect option for a WhatsApp VPN recommendation. After launching the app towards the end of 2019, Symlex achieved a large number of customers in UAE as the only app which was able to unblock WhatsApp. The consistency is still soaring high, with total online subscriptions crossing 4 Million.

Considering the app is fairly new in the industry. Symlex VPN has all the protocols that we have mentioned above, including a Kill-Switch, split-tunneling, AES-256 grade encryption, a guaranteed no-log policy, and 24/7 customer support. 

The most attractive bit of Symlex VPN is its pricing and offers. No matter which age group you belong to, there is a convenient package available for you. Recently, they have also introduced a Lifetime Package at only $189 for users who have been with them for a long time and want to continue in the future too. To know more, you can visit its affordable VPN pricing page. 

You need to follow some steps to use Symlex VPN on your device. 

• Download Symlex VPN on your device- it is available across iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. 
• Install the app
• Sign-up with your email id and password
• Buy a premium subscription package of your choice 
• Choose a server in the location that you want

That’s it! You are ready to use WhatsApp with the ultimate security and bypass geo-blockage. 

Conclusion

When you are using an application for your convenience, it is necessary for your data to be safe and secure, no matter wherever you go. For that, you need to choose an application carefully, especially a VPN. We gave you our recommendation. Choose your VPN and get started now!