Over time, we have learned to pay more attention to the security of the devices around us. For example, Pegasus taught us that there are even iPhones. may be infected with malwareThis has forced Apple to redouble its efforts to protect users. It is true that there are no perfect systems, but there is a possibility that the attack surface available to attackers can be limited.

Communication protocols that enable calls in applications such as WhatsApp can be a target for exploitation by cybercriminals who go to great lengths to find vulnerabilities in systems that allow them to recruit potential victims. Faced with this reality, Meta decided to take action and introduced a new security feature for the famous messaging application.

WhatsApp now allows us to hide IP address

The last thing WhatsApp has done to better protect users is that it allows us to hide our IP address. This is an advanced optionbut it can be configured in a few steps. Before we see step by step how to enable it, we believe that it is necessary to remember some basic aspects of network systems to determine how this addition can help us. IP addresses are used to distinguish devices from each other.

This system, which is very important in our age, also brings security problems as it increases exposure to computer attacks. IP addresses may contain privacy-sensitive information that could help reveal our geographic location or the Internet provider we use. But without IP addresses, the network communications we use every day would not be possible.

In the case of WhatsApp, cybercriminals can use this data to carry out certain attacks. As we say, messaging application now gives us an extra layer of security to others that have already been implemented, such as end-to-end encryption, to better protect us. The feature of hiding the IP address has started to be used on iOS and Android. So let’s see how to enable this new feature.

How to hide IP on WhatsApp?

Protect IP address on calls on iOS

Tap on your iPhone. You In the lower right corner of the application. Proceed later Privacy > Developed > and enable the Protect IP address for searches switch.

Protect IP address on calls on Android

On your Android, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and search Settings. Proceed later Privacy > Developed and enable the Preserve IP address for searches switch.

New communication scheme when calling on WhatsApp

When this functionality is enabled, the messaging app will display call information. proxy servers This will hide the original IP between the devices participating in the communication. End-to-end encryption will continue to be available throughout the process, but the attack surface for potential malicious actors will be limited.

We have recently seen how WhatsApp has promoted various measures to strengthen its security. In addition to the mentioned, the app has added Passkey support on Android, allowing chats to be blocked with biometric data or password. Other features like the ability to use multiple accounts and alternative profiles are also on the way.

Images: Adnan Khan | What’s up

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