Saturday, March 9, 2019

Of lefting WhatsApp groups and how to secure electronic devices from hacks

By MUSYOKA NGUI
Having another person’s phone number isn’t a nod that the number should be used without their consent. Adding people to a WhatsApp group without briefing them is a no no. 
A phone user scrolling. Photo/COURTESY

Okay, just add anyone on your phonebook who you believe is relevant to the agenda of creating the said WhatsApp group then immediately welcome them and brief them about the purpose of your project.
Sometimes people left the group and are blamed for sabotaging the cause which is unknown to them. At times people have multiple phones and phone numbers. Switching the two can lead to them lefting the said groups if there is no transition. 
Others hit the exit button at the bottom of the app when bored or are tired about the group. It’s within their discretion to do so. They don’t owe you an explanation or any apology.
It’s important to disable autodownload of WhatsApp media especially in busy groups because that could consume your data significantly and take up your phone memory. You can choose to download the pictures, audios or videos on need basis.
IF IT’S FREE, THEN YOU’RE THE PRODUCT
Avoid free Wi-Fi. Someone said that if it’s free, then you’re the product. Free Wi-Fi in public spaces expose you to snooping from fraudsters. The fraudulent persons could be the administrators of the free Wi-Fi or hackers pretending to be busy doing their things online but watching you online.
Frequently review your apps' passwords. Your PC, your phone, your router. And any other electronic device. The internet of things that is claiming to connect everything that’s around has many gaps that oughtn’t to be trusted. Change the passwords and note the changes somewhere you can remember.
Install applications from trusted sources. Your company that you’re doing business with will have a link on their website that will send you to an app store. Use that. 
When you reach the app market, download the recommended application and regularly update all your apps-not automatically-that could consume much data-but on need basis.
Updating your apps regularly helps you enjoy featured services from the provider and makes your app secure and reduces possibility of hangs and hacks.
Review your apps service and uninstall the apps that don’t serve your interest.
Some people don’t respect your privacy. Some will snoop. Steal data. Check emails, SMS, photos etc. without your permission.
To keep the thieves in their place, have your device locked by codes, patterns and/or fingerprints when you’re around them. You can remove when away from the leeches.

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