WhatsApp Will Protect Your Cloud Backups Even Better Via Encryption - Android

WhatsApp is preparing a new update that will protect cloud backups with password-protected encryption. And now we may have a better idea of what that will look like. That's based on some recently-reported screenshots shared via Twitter by WhatsApp aficionados at WABetaInfo. So what's this about WhatsApp cloud backup encryption? While WhatsApp does offer end-to-end [...]

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The post WhatsApp Will Protect Your Cloud Backups Even Better Via Encryption appeared first on Android Headlines.

WhatsApp is preparing a new update that will protect cloud backups with password-protected encryption. And now we may have a better idea of what that will look like. That's based on some recently-reported screenshots shared via Twitter by WhatsApp aficionados at WABetaInfo.

So what's this about WhatsApp cloud backup encryption?

While WhatsApp does offer end-to-end protection on chats themselves, that's not extended to cover cloud backups. That's what the company will allegedly change with the new feature. And, better still, that will also reportedly extend to local backups stored on-device.

The password used to encrypt and decrypt messages also won't be sent to WhatsApp, if the leaked details are accurate. They'll be stored locally and required to retrieve messages via the app. That's highlighted in the shared images below.

In effect, it indicates that preventing unauthorized access to a cloud backup will require a password to be set up. That password will be used to encrypt "future backups." So it likely won't extend to existing backups. Instead, it's intended to ensure that encryption on backups is end-to-end. The user is also required to confirm their phone number before entering the 8-digit-minimum password.

What's the importance of this?

Now, WhatsApp has long been touted as not only one of the best messaging apps but one of the best video calling apps. In fact, it's safe to say it's among the most popular, well-featured such apps on the market across almost all communication types. That's setting aside that it has long-touted the ability to encrypt chats end-to-end.

But WhatsApp is also effectively run by Facebook. And that's raised some concerns over the past several months. By enabling encryption on cloud backups, in addition to standard WhatsApp messaging, the company sends a clear message that privacy is still a central tenet.

• The chat database is already encrypted now (excluding media), but the algorithm is reversible and it's not end-to-end encrypted.
• Local Android backups will be compatible with this feature.

The chat DB and media will be encrypted using a password that only you know. https://t.co/WAliLUnF18

— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) March 8, 2021

The post WhatsApp Will Protect Your Cloud Backups Even Better Via Encryption appeared first on Android Headlines.