WhatsApp has finally added a feature that lets users encrypt cloud backups of their chats. The feature first popped-up back in March 2020 and is finally showing up for users.
Now, WhatsApp has offered end-to-end encryption for chats (via WABetaInfo), but the Facebook-owned instant messaging platform has been clear that the encryption doesn't extend to cloud backups stored on Google Drive. However, with the new feature, Android users are going to be able to set a password before uploading the backups on Google Drive.
Encrypting the backups will mean that users will see an option to enter a password when restoring from a backup. That said, you have to be super super careful with the password as just in case you forget the password, you could be in trouble as it isn't shared with WhatsApp or Google.
If you wish for an extra security, then you could choose to opt for the "Use 64-digit Encryption key instead" option which can generate a random encryption key. Do confirm to require a backup of the key as WhatsApp will ask once you restore a backup and therefore the company can not help you recover the key if you break down.
The feature is only available on version 2.21.15.5 of WhatsApp for Android Beta. However, we do expect the company to roll it out to all the users in the coming months. Unfortunately, there is no word on encryption backup support for iOS users.
Here's what you need to do to activate end-to-end encryption:
Step 1: Open WhatsApp and tap on the three dots on the top right corner.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Chats > Chat backup
Step 3: Select "Encrypt your Backups" under the 'Google Drive settings' section
Step 4: Tap on "Continue" and then tap on "Create Password"
Step 5: Enter a password and tap on "Next".
It's worth noting that you can choose to tap on "Use 64-digit Encryption key instead" option if you want to use an encryption key instead of a password.
Step 6: Re-enter the password and tap on "Confirm" to enable encryption
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WhatsApp Is Testing Secure End-To-End Encrypted Cloud Backups For Android Users - Mashable India
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