How to Use WhatsApp Web Securely on Public Computers

You might want to check your phone at some point. Now on WhatsApp Web. You probably work on the computer or just surf the browser. You always need to be in touch with your incoming messages. Because while it might feel like taking an assignment or working from home, knowing you aren’t constantly looking at your incoming messages can save you time and effort. But there’s a downside when you’re working on a public computer. Hackers, malware, and a few common mistakes can get your data stolen. So here are some tips to help you use WhatsApp Web safely when you’re using a public computer, as well as some tools like Zap Web.

Understanding the Basics of WhatsApp Web

Before discussing security, we need to understand how WhatsApp Web can function. The service is a mirroring of your chats from your smartphone to the browser of your working computer. Moreover, you can easily send texts or pictures, movies or docs to other people”. Thus, your messages are not actually stored on the computer but synced real-time and while this approach is perfectly safe, using WhatsApp Web on a device that you haven’t tried before is still risky, unless you log out and lock your session.

Why Public Computers Are Risky

Public computers are easy targets for keyloggers, spyware and even malware. Most of these will record what you do on the system, collect data about sessions, or take screenshots of private chat messages stored on your account. Now at this stage tools like Zap Web can help you automate some of these things and save you a little bit of time using public computers. You will be exposed shorter. The less time you spend on a public computer the safer you will be.

Always Use a Private Window

One of the simplest ways to protect your privacy when on public Wi-Fi is to use a private (or incognito) window. If you sign in to WhatsApp Web through an incognito tab, your browser will not store cookies, history, or log your session when you close the window. In the worst case scenario: in which case you didn’t forget to log out of your account, when you close the window your session will expire automatically. There is no need to authorize automation tools (e. g. Zap Web) to work with WhatsApp Web. You should only authorize them in a secured session.

Log Out After Every Session

This may seem obvious, but many people forget to log out from WhatsApp Web. On a public computer this is an opportunity for disaster, you can be out-of-scope for the next person looking to see your messages. Make it a habit to click the three dots menu and choose “Log Out” before leaving. (If you’re using Zap Web to manage your workflows you can even have reminders go off automatically to log out from WhatsApp Web after a certain time.

Avoid Downloading Files

Public computers aren’t secure enough to download and open anything. If someone sends you a file or an image while using WhatsApp Web, don’t click to download it onto the machine. Keep it on your phone (and then read it later). But a tool like Zap Web will automatically forward important attachments to a safe cloud-storage, so you don’t have to worry about leaving sensitive files on a shared device.

Be Careful with QR Code Scanning

Your phone needs to scan a QR code in order to log into Whatsapp Web. Always be sure you’re on the official page and not a fake phishing page (that can be a scam). Some hackers build page that look exactly like Whatsapp Web, but collect your login information. It’s best to use a bookmark in order to open the page from the official one. If you’re going to be using Zap Web as part of your automation platform, make sure you’re using genuine tools and have their permissions.

Monitor Active Sessions

Another piece of security would be to keep an eye on your active sessions. Navigate to Settings > Linked Devices in WhatsApp and see which computers are logged into your account. If you notice an unwanted session, then immediately log out on all connected devices. This is a great feature if you’ve used WhatsApp Web on a number of public computers. You can also set up notifications for when new sessions open with Zap Web.

Minimize Time on Public Devices

The only safest way to use WhatsApp Web securely is to keep your sessions short. There are pros and cons to using public computers, but the less time you’re logged into the more risks of vulnerability. Automating your activities with Zap Web can make it easier for you to efficiently work through messages, send replies, and download important data to the cloud without wasting time.

Final Thoughts

It doesn’t have to be dangerous to use WhatsApp Web on a public computer if you know what to do. You should always use incognito mode, you should always log out after every session, you shouldn’t download anything and you should keep an eye on all your active sessions. Coupled with automation tools like Zap Web, this enables you to keep doing everything at the same time and in your comfort zone, protecting your data and still being able to communicate with whomever you choose.