End-to-End Encrypted Backups
We live in the most advanced era, and our reliance on digital devices has increased significantly. We share our personal, professional, and other important information with people through messaging, mainly WhatsApp. But how can we securely take a backup and restore it?
WhatsApp implements end-to-end encryption for messages and backups as well. It also allows sending direct chats to anyone without requiring a third-party platform. However, you should take care when choosing the platform to take the chats backup. Let’s understand the complete process, key terminologies, and some alternative methods to handle our precious data securely.
Does WhatsApp ensure end-to-end Encrypted Backups?
WhatsApp claims that data exchange between two persons is secure by implementing end-to-end encryption. However, when the user takes a backup, it is stored on Google Drive, iCloud, or any other place inaccessible to WhatsApp. Therefore, WhatsApp does not claim the security of that data.
Big technology giants like Google and Facebook ensure users’ data is inaccessible to unauthorized people. However, they maintain the key and can view the data. So, a 100% guarantee of chat backups stored on other platforms besides WhatsApp cannot be claimed.
Understanding of Chat Backup and Encryption
Billions of people use WhatsApp daily to stay connected with their family, friends, and business colleagues. Chat data size increases daily as images, videos, and texts are added regularly. So, fresh backups must be taken in a separate storage space.
Users take the backup by clicking on Settings and Chats. The latest policy guidelines mention that digital backups are not manipulated due to advanced-level encryption. So, when a user restores the backup, the administrator at the server backend does not know about the data and cannot exploit it. So, technically, the data remains safe and secure.
Key Terminologies Related to End-to-End Encryption
Controlled Access
The key advantage of advanced-level encryption is that only send and the recipient can see the message. Another way to ensure controlled access is through sending view once images and media.
Versatile Backup Options
You can store the backup on OneDrive, Google Cloud, and iCloud.
Full Backup
Backup includes images, videos, texts, and even fonts.
Easy to Restore
When you have taken the backup, you can easily restore it using the WhatsApp GB.
Enhanced Security
You can comfortably apply an encrypted key or a strong password to ensure security.
Step-by-Step Method to Take Encrypted Chat Backup
When users install the app, end-to-end encryption for the chat backup is applied automatically. You just need to take the backup, store it safely, and restore it. Here is the complete process to assist you:
Some Alternative Techniques to Assist Users
Well! We do not always want to take a complete backup of the chat. Firstly, we do not want to risk some critical communication. Secondly, we do not want to store all chat data. So, here are the two most effective alternative methods:
Individual Chats Export
The app permits users to export and share an individual chat with concerned people. It not only transmits the important information quickly in a text format. However, it keeps the data safe as no other platform or application is involved without WhatsApp. The technique is very effective.
Partial Data Storage on Cloud
Users concerned about their data can store partial information on the cloud. So, you can store images, videos, and even individual chats on the cloud. So, it saves the chat backup and restoration time and keeps the remaining data completely safe.
Conclusion
WhatsApp automatically applies encryption for the chat backup whenever it is installed. So, you do not need to install any other utility. It allows the direct sending of individual chats and the storing of limited data on the cloud. However, the chat backup remains secure when a strong password is implemented on the cloud.
