Expert says new WhatsApp feature can expose users to hacking
Mr Jide Awe, the Chief Executive Officer of Jidaw Systems Ltd., says the new feature in WhatsApp can make users vulnerable to hacking or phishing attacks by cybercriminals.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the updated WhatsApp feature enables users to operate their accounts on four different devices.
Awe told NAN in an interview in Lagos on Saturday that having multiple devices linked to a single account gives hackers more opportunities to access personal data or take over the account.
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He, however, noted that WhatsApp had implemented several security measures to protect against such threats, including end-to-end encryption and remote device management.
Speaking about its advantages, he said the updated feature would increase flexibility and convenience by providing users with more ways to access their WhatsApp accounts.
“The ability to use up to four different devices simultaneously makes it easier to stay connected with their contacts.
“This feature will enable users to manage their devices and log out remotely.” This can give them greater control over their accounts, he said.
On users’ opinions, Awe said individual preferences would come into play, noting that it might be convenient for some to use it on different devices while others could stick to using WhatsApp on one device.
He said that Mark Zuckerberg’s aim for adding the updated feature could be an attempt to make WhatsApp more user-friendly and convenient with a view to attracting more users to the platform.
Awe said it could also be an attempt to keep up with other competitors like Telegram and Signal, both of which already offer multi-device support.
He added that the impact or success of the updated feature would depend on whether users embraced it or if it had any unforeseen consequences.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
