Digital Security: 9 things you need to know about WhatsApp encryption

All WhatsApp messages are now supported by end-to-end encryption – but what does this mean for you and me?

The new move will ensure that a user’s messages  can only be read by the person it’s sent to. No one else will be able to see the message, not cyber-criminals, law enforcement agencies and even WhatsApp itself.

“The idea is simple: when you send a message, the only person who can read it is the person or group chat that you send that message to. No one can see inside that message,” WhatsApp said in a blog post announcing the update.
Here are nine things you need to know:

1) The App

The end-to-end encryption is available when you and the people you message are using the latest versions of the app. That means you BOTH need to have updated the app.

2) It happens automatically

You won’t need to turn on any settings or set up ‘secret chats’. So long as you’ve completed the above, this should all happen automatically.

3) It’s not just messages

It won’t only secure your messages. Videos, photos even calls and group chats sent over Whatsapp will get the end-to-end encyrption to ensure third parties can’t listen in.

4) No Storage

To add to the privacy level, WhatsApp has said it won’t store your messages on its servers once they are delivered. Because of end-to-end encryption WhatsApp and third parties can’t read them anyway.

5) Every message has a lock

Your messages are secured with their very own unique lock and key. But what does this mean? Basically that only you and the person you’re sending the message to have the special key needed to unlock the message and read it.
Visit http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/stnews/2016/04/06/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-WhatsApp-encryption for more