TL;DR
A WIRED roundup by Kate O'Flaherty highlights built-in WhatsApp settings users can enable to strengthen privacy and security on the app. The piece appears amid reports of a new account-hijacking technique called GhostPairing that can link an attacker’s browser to a victim’s WhatsApp device.
What happened
WIRED published a guide that aims to help WhatsApp users make their accounts more secure. The article frames its advice against the backdrop of WhatsApp’s massive global user base—over three billion people—and a recently documented hijacking method dubbed GhostPairing. Security researchers reported in December that GhostPairing tricks victims into pairing an attacker-controlled browser session with the user’s WhatsApp, enabling account takeover risks even though the app uses end-to-end encryption for messages. The WIRED piece, written by Kate O'Flaherty and dated January 4, 2026, reviews in-app controls and practices intended to reduce exposure to such threats and to make individual accounts more tightly locked down. The source excerpt does not include the full list of recommended features or step-by-step instructions, only the broader context and the security concern that motivated the guide.
Why it matters
- WhatsApp’s huge user base makes it an attractive target for attackers seeking account takeovers and fraud.
- End-to-end encryption protects message content but does not by itself stop some account-level attacks or pairing exploits.
- Simple configuration choices and awareness of linking flows can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to accounts.
Key facts
- The article was published on January 4, 2026 and authored by Kate O'Flaherty.
- WIRED reports WhatsApp has more than 3 billion users worldwide.
- WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for messaging.
- Security researchers documented a new form of account hijacking called GhostPairing in December.
- GhostPairing involves tricking a user into linking an attacker’s browser session to their WhatsApp device.
- The WIRED story is presented as a guide to features and settings that can improve security and privacy on WhatsApp.
- Source URL: https://www.wired.com/story/5-features-that-boost-security-and-privacy-on-whatsapp/ (as provided in the source metadata).
What to watch next
- Ongoing technical analysis and mitigations for GhostPairing published by security researchers (confirmed in the source as documented in December).
- Official guidance, updates or patches from Meta/WhatsApp addressing account-pairing exploits — not confirmed in the source.
- The specific list of WhatsApp features and step-by-step configuration recommendations referenced by the WIRED article — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- End-to-end encryption: A method of securing communications so only the communicating users can read the messages; intermediaries cannot decrypt the content.
- Account hijacking: Unauthorized takeover of a user account, often allowing attackers to send messages, access conversations, or impersonate the user.
- Multi-device linking: A feature that allows a messaging account to be connected to additional devices (browsers, desktops, tablets) so messages sync across them.
- Two-step verification: An extra layer of account security requiring a second form of authentication—such as a PIN or code—beyond the primary password or login method.
Reader FAQ
Is WhatsApp secure?
WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for messages, but its large user base and account-level pairing mechanisms can expose users to targeted attacks.
What is GhostPairing?
GhostPairing is a technique documented by researchers in December that tricks users into linking an attacker-controlled browser to their WhatsApp device, enabling account hijacking.
Does the article list the eight features to enable?
The headline indicates eight features, but the provided excerpt does not include the full list of specific features or instructions—not confirmed in the source.
How many people use WhatsApp?
The article cites WhatsApp’s user base as over three billion people.
KATE O'FLAHERTY SECURITY JAN 4, 2026 6:00 AM 8 WhatsApp Features to Boost Your Security and Privacy Meta’s end-to-end encrypted messaging app is used by billions of people. Here’s how…
Sources
- 8 WhatsApp Features to Boost Your Security and Privacy
- Security Features, Safety Tools & Tips
- How to Protect Your WhatsApp from Hackers and Scammers
- About end-to-end encryption | WhatsApp Help Center
Related posts
- How U.S. veterans helped Venezuela’s María Corina Machado escape
- Midnight Raid in Caracas Raises Prospect of an American Protectorate
- After Maduro’s Arrest, Trump Says US Will Hold Venezuela’s Governance