WhatsApp communications are encrypted, but cloud backups aren't, especially when they're stored on Google Drive. The messaging giant now plans to take steps to improve the security of its cloud backups. WhatsApp is considering adding a password security feature to encrypt chat backups. Only the user will have access to these backups.

A WABetaInfo report includes screenshots of how that feature would appear on iOS and Android.

Users can now encrypt chat backups:

To prevent unwanted access to your iCloud Drive backup, a password will be required to encrypt subsequent backups. Check out the screenshots. This password will also be required if you restore from a backup, according to the instructions. After confirming the phone number, a password of at least eight characters must be created. WhatsApp, on the other hand, will not be able to recall or recover forgotten passwords, according to the company.

WhatsApp had previously told users that while discussions are end-to-end encrypted, this encryption does not extend to online backups of these conversations once they have been uploaded to Google Drive or iCloud. The cloud service providers are then responsible for the security of such communications. There have been instances in the past where law enforcement officials with legitimate search warrants were granted access to chat backups.

What Does This Feature Entail?

It means that once the backups are password-protected, no one else should be able to read the chats without your permission.

This move comes at a time when WhatsApp's reputation has been tarnished by concerns about privacy and data sharing.

WhatsApp has attempted to clarify the privacy policy, stating that the new policy has no impact on the security of personal messages, which are still end-to-end encrypted. Users, much to their chagrin, have some reservations. As a result, competing apps like Signal and Telegram have had the opportunity to show off their privacy features and gain users.

Although WhatsApp has not made any public announcements about the feature, WABetaInfo has a history of uncovering innovations before they are formally announced. As a result, the likelihood of such a feature being implemented is high. Let's see how things progress...

(Source: https://trak.in/)