“Feature reinforces web messenger security and prevents data exposure; check out how to enable the function in Google Chrome”
WhatsApp Security
In the rush of everyday life, it is not always possible to have your smartphone at hand to access WhatsApp, so many people poland mobile database up choosing to use the messenger on their computer, via a browser. However, in open sessions on the web, although the messenger works basically the same way, your conversations can be exposed more easily than on a cell phone.
This happens because, on the desktop, the service always remains logged in the browser, unless the user chooses to manually close each session whenever they finish using WhatsApp Web. To get around this limitation, you should know that it is possible to protect the service by adding a password. Check out how to access this feature in the guide below.
Image: Antonio Salaverry/ShutterstockWeb messenger sessions may be more susceptible to data leaks. Image: Antonio Salaverry/Shutterstock
How to secure WhatsApp Web sessions
Before starting the procedure, it is worth mentioning that WhatsApp does not yet offer a native way to lock web sessions with a password. However, those who use Google Chrome can choose to install an extension that adds the functionality directly to the browser. The plugin in question is 'WA Web Plus for WhatsApp', offered by the developer 'wawplus.com' in the chrome web store. To install it in the browser, follow these steps:
To access the download page, click this link that directs you to the Chrome web store;
Then click 'Use in Chrome' to start the installation process;
Finally, click on 'Add extension' to confirm the installation in the browser.
From here, after successfully completing the above steps, we move on to the procedure that password protects web sessions.
First, you need to log into a new session on WhatsApp Web through this link, then use your smartphone to read the QR Code;
Once logged in, click on the icon of the previously installed extension to access the plugin settings. The “+” icon is fixed to the top right side of the browser interface;
In the 'Enhancements' tab, in the first 'Privacy' section, look for the 'Enable screen lock' option, the last one on the list. Once you have enabled it, click on 'Set Password'.
Image: WA Web Plus/Reproduction
After registering a new password, each time you access WhatsApp Web again, you will need to unlock the messenger. It is a good idea to write down this password so that you do not have any login problems in the future.
For now, while there is no official feature to block access to the web messenger, it is possible to add an extra layer of security by following the tips above. This way, your data and messages will be safe, even if you have to share the same computer with other people at home or at work.