Surveillance via WhatsApp: How to Protect Yourself

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Mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives. However, criminals and abusers are finding increasingly sophisticated ways to hack into these devices, particularly through popular messaging apps like WhatsApp.

At Advanced Sweeping, we have seen a rise in cases involving WhatsApp surveillance, especially in situations of domestic abuse and stalking.

## **How WhatsApp Surveillance Works**

WhatsApp, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), boasts over 2 billion users worldwide. While the app offers end-to-end encryption for messages and calls, there are still vulnerabilities that can be exploited for surveillance purposes.

One common method used by abusers is to gain physical access to the victim’s device and scan a QR code displayed on the WhatsApp Web interface. This allows them to mirror the victim’s WhatsApp account on their own device, giving them access to all messages, even those that are end-to-end encrypted.

## **The Risks of WhatsApp Surveillance**

WhatsApp surveillance poses a serious threat to privacy and security. In cases of domestic abuse, it allows the abuser to monitor their victim’s every move, control who they communicate with, and track their location. This can make it incredibly difficult for victims to seek help or escape their situation.

## **How to Protect Yourself from WhatsApp Surveillance**

While no method is foolproof, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling victim to WhatsApp surveillance:

1. One of the most reliable ways to protect yourself is by checking who is connected in your Linked Devices. If you notice any devices you don’t know, remove them from your Linked Devices.
2. Ensure you use strong passwords with a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
3. Set up biometrics on your device so you can only log in with fingerprint or facial recognition.
4. Use Lock Chat – this allows you to lock individual chats within WhatsApp using a passcode or biometric authentication. The messages are then stored in a separate folder. This is an excellent way of keeping your messages hidden from prying eyes.
5. Trust your own intuition – often victims have a gut instinct that someone has had access to their phone. Investigate further if you get this feeling.
6. Use disappearing messages – you can set a timer on your device which will ensure any messages will disappear from your chat after a certain time limit.

## **How Advanced Sweeping Can Help**

If you believe you may be a victim of WhatsApp surveillance, our team at Advanced Sweeping can assist you. We offer comprehensive technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) services to detect and remove any spyware or monitoring software on your devices.

Our experienced investigators can conduct thorough technical assessments to determine the level of risk you face and recommend appropriate security measures. We understand the sensitive nature of these situations and handle every case with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.

### **Contact Us for Professional Bug Sweeping Services**

Don’t leave your privacy and security to chance. If you suspect your devices are being monitored or simply want the assurance of a professional assessment, contact Advanced Sweeping today.

Our expert team is ready to provide tailored TSCM services to meet your specific needs, ensuring that your communications and devices are protected from unauthorised surveillance.

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