Top five WhatsApp security features to protect your account from hackers

WhatsApp users can protect their accounts using two-factor verification or two-factor authentication. This feature makes sure that your WhatsApp number can only be activated on any device after a six-digit pin is entered.

To enable two-step verification, go to WhatsApp Settings>Account>Two step verification and then tap enable.

WhatsApp will then need you to enter a six-digit activation code. You also get the option to enter an email address to help you recover the code in case you ever forget it.

WhatsApp recently announced the long-awaited 'Disappearing messages' feature for its more than 2 billion users. It can be used both for individual and group chats. For the latter, the admins can only enable the feature in the group chats.

Once you enable the 'Disappearing messages' feature for your individual or group chats, the new messages sent in the individual and group chats will disappear after seven days. It will also remove photos and videos shared after this period. This feature will not affect messages that were sent or received previously in the chats.

WhatsApp provides users with options to choose who they want to share their profile photo, status, and other details with. It's a good idea to change the Setting to 'Contacts only'. This means only phone number that are saved on your smartphone will be able to see your profile photo, status, and phone number.

Add an extra layer of security by enabling Face ID for iPhone, and Fingerprint lock for Android. To activate, open WhatsApp Settings. Tap Account > Privacy > Screen Lock. Turn on Require Touch ID or Require Face ID, and then select the length of time WhatsApp can be on standby mode before Touch ID or Face ID is required.

WhatsApp helps you identify and handle spam messages. If encountered with Spam, WhatsApp advises users to block the sender, disregard the message and delete it.