Know the Risks: Security Threats in Messaging Apps

In a world where it’s not uncommon to travel for education, work, or fun, staying in touch has become extremely important.

These days, everyone has a smartphone, so everyone uses messaging apps – probably even your kids or grandparents.

Back in the day, people had to wait weeks to receive news of their loved ones, patiently awaiting the postman’s delivery.

But technology has advanced so fast in the last few decades; now, you can share your thoughts and feelings instantly thanks to social media apps.

However, most of us don’t stop to think about the private nature of some of our online communications.

Have you ever wondered what would happen if your private conversations got leaked, or if the person you were speaking to wasn’t who they claimed to be?

To help you be better informed, we’re going over the nine major risks associated with messaging apps, and learning why keeping your data safe should be a priority. ⁤

⁤The Most Common Security Risks⁤

While having private conversations made public can be extremely harmful and emotionally damaging, the potential dangers of messaging apps can also go beyond this.

So what are some of the dangers associated with messaging apps?

Phishing Scams

One of the biggest security risks with messaging apps is the “phishing” scam. 

This scam involves scammers faking their identity to get information out of you – information you wouldn’t usually share with strangers.

Over the years, these imposters have gotten extremely good at tricking people into giving up sensitive information like passwords and bank details.

In fact, the second quarter of 2023 saw over 484,500 phishing and malicious attempts in North America alone – the highest number globally. Europe wasn’t far behind, with more than 462,000 incidents.

Here’s what a phishing scam could look like: Rose receives a message from her bank, explaining that there has been a suspicious transaction on her account. 

The message urges her to click a link and provide her account details immediately. Rose opens the link and enters her account name and password.

The imposter informs her that they are looking into the suspicious activity and that everything will be taken care of, as Rose leaves feeling some peace of mind.

The only problem is that this message wasn’t from her bank after all – and neither was the website.

Beware of Malware

It’s not just phishing you should be wary of though; messaging apps can also be used for malware.

Malware is a nasty software that can spy on you, steal your data, or even hold your device for ransom (also known as “ransomware”). 

This malware can sneak onto your phone or computer through shady downloads and links. Ransomware will then hold your device and files hostage until you pay the ransom.

However, paying the ransom is no guarantee that your files will be returned securely.

In some cases, certain messaging apps have even been known to secretly install malware on people’s devices. 

So if a message, even from someone you know, seems suspicious, don’t click on anything or download anything. 

Malware can cause a ton of damage, and as the saying goes: it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Data Interception

Using messaging apps that don’t have strong encryption can also be dangerous. 

Data interception is when someone secretly takes your information as it’s being transmitted, allowing them to access your private conversations or photos. 

Without encryption, your data can be intercepted while it’s being sent – that’s why security experts recommend using messaging apps with end-to-end encryption. 

This type of encryption ensures that only you and the person you’re chatting with can read the messages – no one else. 

Encryption Flaws

Yes, we just talked about encryption, but messaging apps that claim to have strong encryption can still have vulnerabilities. 

There might be flaws or weaknesses in how the encryption is implemented, which could allow hackers to bypass it and access your messages and calls.

To be safe, use messaging apps that have a proven track record of solid security; a Google search should help you with this. 

Make sure to always update your app so that any vulnerabilities that are discovered can get patched by the devs. 

Account Hijacking

Another major risk with messaging apps is the possibility of your account being taken over by someone else. 

If someone gets into your account, they can use your information to impersonate you and talk to your contacts. 

Security experts explain that using two-factor authentication can be useful against this, since it adds an extra step beyond just a password to verify it’s really you logging in. 

You’ll definitely want to set up two-factor authentication if it’s available for the messaging apps you use, as it’s one of the best ways to keep your account safe from hijacking. 

Some methods include: 

• One-time Codes – Unique codes sent via SMS, email, or generated by authentication apps.
• Biometric Verification – Fingerprint scans, facial recognition, or other physical characteristics for authentication.
• Security Tokens – Physical or virtual devices that generate unique codes for authentication.
• Push Notifications – Users receive a notification on their registered device to approve or deny access attempts.

Using two-factor authentication adds another layer of security by requiring more than a single set of identifying information.

Third-Party Access

Most messaging apps available on the market obtain user data and share it with third parties for advertising purposes.

This means your data could be compromised, so it’s important to choose messaging apps that value user privacy and data security. 

These apps value privacy and minimize data exchange to keep user information safe and confidential.

Fake Profiles

Fake profiles on messaging apps, created to befriend and extort people, are another common tactic. It can result in financial theft and loss of sensitive information.

Protect yourself by rejecting or ignoring unsolicited friend requests and diligently identifying the sender.

Network Vulnerabilities

Messaging on unsecured Wi-Fi networks also exposes users to risks like man-in-the-middle attacks. 

By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can secure your internet connection, encrypting data transfer and protecting against hackers. 

Unsure how it works? No problem – learn more about Surfshark VPN to find out all the ways they can help you protect yourself online.

User Behavior Risks

Did you know that user behavior can also determine the level of messaging security?

For example, lots of users share sensitive data in messaging apps, use weak passwords, or ignore the apps’ privacy settings. 

That’s why it’s important to educate users about best practices, like strong passwords, multiple-factor authentication, and sensitive data usage in messaging. 

Awareness-raising campaigns can also help users form secure behavior attitudes and habits.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the dangers of messaging apps, like phishing or network threats, is crucial for staying safe. 

Choosing a secure messaging app and taking precautions can greatly impact your online safety. Use end-to-end encryption and a trusted VPN to protect yourself online.

Now that you know some of the most common risks, you will be better prepared to protect yourself online.