In 2024, Spain has recorded a worrying increase in cyberattacks, becoming one of the most affected countries globally. With a total of 1,827 incidents, the country accumulates a staggering 33% of the total attacks reported worldwide. This chilling figure has led cybersecurity experts to warn about the risks that users of messaging applications, especially WhatsApp, face.
The popular application, with over 2 billion users worldwide, has positioned itself as the sixth most impersonated brand in the last quarter of the year, according to the Brand Phishing Report by Check Point Research. This worrying rise highlights the vulnerability of users to phishing practices seeking to steal personal data.
In the face of this growing wave of cyber threats, Check Point Software has identified seven common mistakes that put WhatsApp users’ security at risk. One of the most urgent recommendations is to enable two-step verification; this measure adds an extra layer of protection that makes unauthorized access to accounts more difficult.
The report also points out the danger of sharing real-time location without proper precautions, which could expose the exact position to unwanted persons. Additionally, it is advised to avoid automatic file downloads on any network, as this practice could facilitate the introduction of malicious software into devices.
Reviewing the privacy settings of the profile and statuses is another essential practice; it is crucial to ensure that only trusted contacts have access to personal information. Ignoring application updates can leave devices vulnerable, so it is recommended to keep WhatsApp updated with the latest versions, which often include security improvements.
Furthermore, experts warn about exchanging sensitive information without additional encryption, as despite WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption system, it is advisable to use secure platforms for handling confidential data. Finally, it is suggested to regularly review the permissions granted to the application to avoid unnecessary accesses that could be exploited in case of security breaches.
Eusebio Nieva, technical director of Check Point Software for Spain and Portugal, highlights that knowing these mistakes and adopting preventive measures can make the difference between maintaining privacy protected and becoming a victim of cyberattacks. According to Nieva, it is essential for users to familiarize themselves with the configuration options that WhatsApp offers to manage their security in an increasingly threatening digital environment.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
