ALL WhatsApp users are advised to check their settings to stay safe online.

Cyber ​​experts tell The Sun that it’s important to make sure you’re using the best WhatsApp settings possible.

More than 2 billion people use Meta-belonging WhatsAppmaking it a prime target for hackers, scammers and scammers.

But you could put yourself at unnecessary risk by using the wrong settings.

We spoke to two cyber experts who revealed the best way to stay safe on WhatsApp.

The most important setting to enable is two-step verification, according to Tom Davidson, security expert and senior manager at cyber company Lookout.

“It’s the first line of defense against someone trying to access your messages by setting up your number on another device,” Tom told The Sun.

“With this setting enabled, users are prompted to enter a PIN before the number can be associated with WhatsApp.

“It provides extra protection in case someone manages to get your username and password.”

Using two-step verification can be essential when it comes to preventing hackers from accessing your accounts.

But don’t stop there.

WhatsApp is full of smart features designed to protect your privacy.

Many of them are hidden in your settings under the Privacy tab.

“This section lets you configure all sorts of privacy-related settings, such as who can see your profile and status,” Tom added.

“You can also set up a screen lock and turn off read receipts.”

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That’s not all.

If you regularly update your phone, you need to be extra careful, according to cyber expert Brian Higgins.

“It’s worth remembering that if you install WhatsApp on a new device, your privacy will be reset to factory settings,” said Brian, security specialist at Comparitech, speaking to The Sun.

“You should regularly check and update your privacy settings.

“And also ‘weeding’ your contact list every few months.

“Try to get rid of any you haven’t used in a while or don’t recognize.”

There are other key security tips you can take advantage of.

The first is to make sure you keep your phone and apps updated with the latest software patches.

These updates often include important security patches that fix bugs used by hackers to attack your device.

And you should also be generally wary of anyone asking for personal information (like credit card details or login codes), even if the text appears to be from a friend.

If a hacker gains access to your WhatsApp account, you can chase them away by logging back in.

Featured Image Credit: WhatsApp / Unsplash / The Sun

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