Karachi: In today’s digital age, many everyday tasks have shifted to digital platforms for convenience. However, that convenience can sometimes create privacy risks. Have you ever checked where your WhatsApp account is currently active apart from your primary smartphone?
Forgetting to sign out after using WhatsApp on an office computer, a friend’s laptop or another device may seem like a minor oversight, but it could potentially expose your private chats, photos and other account information to someone else.
How Does WhatsApp’s Linked Devices Feature Work?
WhatsApp’s Linked Devices feature allows users to keep their account connected to up to four additional devices alongside their primary phone.
One important aspect of the feature is that once a device has been linked, WhatsApp can continue to work on that device even when the primary phone is not connected to the internet. This means an old or forgotten linked device may continue to provide access to the account.
How Can You Check Where Your WhatsApp Is Active?
Checking which devices are connected to your WhatsApp account is relatively simple.
On Android, open WhatsApp, tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Linked Devices. On iPhone, open WhatsApp Settings and select Linked Devices.
You will then see a list of computers, phones and other devices currently linked to your WhatsApp account.
What Should You Do If You See an Unknown Device?
If you find a device that you do not recognise, do not ignore it.
Tap the unfamiliar device and select Log Out. This will immediately remove that device’s access to your WhatsApp account.
Does an Unknown Device Always Mean Your WhatsApp Has Been Hacked?
Not necessarily. Seeing an unfamiliar device does not automatically mean that your WhatsApp account has been hacked.
You may have previously used WhatsApp on an office computer, a shared laptop or another device and simply forgotten to log out.
However, if you find a device that you have never used or linked yourself, the matter should be taken seriously. Even brief access to an unlocked phone could potentially allow someone to link another device to your WhatsApp account.
How Can You Keep Your WhatsApp Account Secure?
Users should regularly review the Linked Devices section of their WhatsApp account and immediately log out of any device they do not recognise.
Never enter a verification or pairing code at the request of an unknown person, and do not approve a device-linking request that you did not initiate yourself.
It is also advisable to keep biometric security, such as a fingerprint or Face ID, enabled on your smartphone and turn on Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp.
Finally, always remember to log out after using WhatsApp on a public, shared or office computer.
