WhatsApp Encrypted Chat Backups was the most awaited feature of WhatsApp. WhatsApp is a Facebook-owned app that is now finally adding encrypted chat backups for iOS and Android users. CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerburg announced it in one of his Facebook page posts. Encrypted chats will now be completely secure due to WhatsApp’s latest update that backs up chats through its private servers. Previously, these chats could have been accessed through Google Drive or Apple iCloud. Now, original users will be granted full control of their content the minute they approve the new release.
This will provide an additional layer of security for WhatsApp as it will encrypt their chat backups. Backing up chats has always been a featured user requested, and Zuckerburg recently confirmed they would roll out this update soon.
How Does WhatsApp’s Encrypted Cloud Backup work?
According to a blog post by WhatsApp, the backup feature is currently opt-in for Android devices. Typically it’s envisioned that users would have control over backups since they are responsible for handling their account information. Users can secure this by generating a unique 64-digit key or setting up a password.
Users can store these keys manually or with a user password. When opting for a user password, the key is stored within the Backup Key Vault. The password for this vault is often used to access their backup at any time.
How to Enable Encrypted Cloud Backup?
It seems this feature will be gradually rolling out globally to both Android and iOS users. To enable this security setting, make sure you are on the latest version of WhatsApp to get the update. You can enable this by following the given steps:
1. Go to Settings > Chats > Chat Backups > End-to-End Encrypted Backups.
2. Follow the steps provided on the screen.
3. In this step you’ll need to choose a password or use a 64-bit encryption key for your backups.
4. Once you have completed these steps, wait for some time so WhatsApp prepares your end-to-end encrypted backup.
Note:- Never forget your password or 64-bit encryption key, otherwise, you won’t be able to restore your end-to-end encrypted chat backups.
Conclusion
It’s not like anyone’s super surprised that WhatsApp is finally rolling out encryption for chats, but it’s great news nonetheless. Soon, you’ll be able to send text encrypted messages to your contacts to ensure that your conversations stay private. That way, you can be sure that the only person who can read your messages is the person you’re talking to.
