WhatsApp: deactivate this function to avoid the theft of your bank details

WhatsApp It is the most popular messaging application around the world. More than 2 billion people In 180 countries they use it to contact friends and family for free. Allows you to send messages and make calls from anywhere at all times.

However, a default feature on the Meta platform could put users’ security at risk by facilitate the theft of sensitive and personal datasuch as bank account passwords. A simple notification, an unexpected message and a file downloaded without warning, can become the first step towards a hacking or virtual scam.

These scams are one of the new means that criminals have to commit crimes. They capture victims through all available channels: from emails, calls that impersonate identities, or WhatsApp text messages or other applications with links that pretend to be real or fake files.

Without knowing it, an active configuration in WhatsApp facilitates these types of risks. Learn how to identify it and modify it in time to be protected from an attack and keep your data safe.

What WhatsApp feature do I have to deactivate to prevent bank data theft?

Virtual scams are reinvented day by day. Its purpose is to steal personal and banking data from the victims, in order to steal their money taking advantage of their lack of knowledge in computer science and technology.

The automatic download of media files It is one of the default WhatsApp tools that represents a risk for users. Since, when activated, it allows images, videos and documents sent through the application saved directly to the devicewithout notifying people.

This could be used by criminals to infiltrate and distribute malicious files disguised as content that appears to be real.

To reduce the risk, it is recommended deactivate automatic download, avoid opening files coming from unknown or suspicious contacts, and keep updated the operating system and the WhatsApp application.

How to disable automatic file downloading on WhatsApp

On Android devices:

1. I opened the WhatsApp application.
2. Go to “Settings” or “Settings”.
3. Select “Storage and data.”
4. In the “Automatic file download” section, uncheck all options for Wi-Fi and mobile data.

On iOS devices:

1. I opened the WhatsApp application.
2. Access “Settings”.
3. Select “Storage and data.”
4. I set the option “Never” for each type of multimedia file.

Disabling this feature ensures that no files sent through the platform are downloaded automatically, allowing the user evaluate them manually.

This simple adjustment helps protect your device against possible attacks and also prevents unnecessary files from accumulating in the phone’s memory, optimizing its operation.