WhatsApp is among the most used messaging platforms globally, with over 2 billion users in 180+ countries. Each day, the platform eases the transmission of over 100 billion messages, several million voice and video calls, and photo sharing, documents, and geolocation data. Since its launch in 2009, and especially following its acquisition by Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2014, WhatsApp has maintained its reputation as a reliable and secure communication channel due to its built-in end-to-end encryption.
However, despite the security it claimed, controversy has persisted around WhatsApp, from questionable privacy policy updates to vulnerabilities used for spying on users. This prompts such a valid inquiry: to what degree is WhatsApp secure enough in 2025? If you continue using this messenger, it is important to consider how a VPN can improve your digital security.
Let’s figure it out together.
What’s Known About WhatsApp’s Security
1. End-to-end encryption:
End-to-end encryption is the main argument in favor of WhatsApp’s security. This ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the message. Even if someone intercepts the message, they cannot decrypt it. This technology works automatically and is enabled by default for all chats, calls, and media files.
Encryption is based on the Signal protocol, the most secure protocol available today. Each new chat creates unique cryptographic keys only used between the two devices. Even WhatsApp (or Meta) cannot decrypt messages, as it cannot access these keys.
It is crucial to understand that this encryption does not apply to chat backups stored in the cloud, such as Google Drive or iCloud. The user must enable secure backup encryption manually in the settings to ensure it is applied.
2. Two-factor authentication (2FA):
WhatsApp provides a two-factor authentication feature, which functions as an additional layer of security for its users. In addition to the code sent via SMS upon logging in to a new device, the user is prompted to set a 6-digit PIN. This is requested when reactivating an account or changing security settings.
This PIN is not transmitted via SMS or stored on WhatsApp’s servers. Consequently, even in the event of the theft of the SIM card or the hacking of the device, it will be difficult for an attacker to access the account if two-factor verification is enabled. Additionally, adding an email address to reset a lost PIN provides an extra layer of security for the account.
3. Encrypting voice and video calls:
Notably, all calls made through WhatsApp – both voice and video – are protected by end-to-end encryption. Therefore, it can be concluded that no entity, including the platform itself, communication providers, or hackers, can monitor or access video content during transmission.
Calls are protected with the same keys as text messages, and the encryption technology works on all devices. Utilizing Android, iPhone, and computer devices via the WhatsApp web application is viable for this purpose. However, it is imperative for users to exercise caution when connecting to open Wi-Fi networks, as this may potentially compromise data. In such scenarios, using a VPN is a crucial measure, as it facilitates the establishment of a secure, encrypted tunnel for all network traffic.
Where the Problems Start
Despite the robust end-to-end encryption employed by WhatsApp to protect user correspondence, there exist vulnerabilities that can compromise user privacy.
1. Metadata remains open:
While the content of messages is protected, metadata is not. It is important to note that WhatsApp collects and stores extensive information about user activity, including but not limited to:
- Sender and recipient phone numbers.
- The time you send and receive messages.
- Frequency of communication with specific contacts.
- IP addresses and locations when connected.
- Device, operating system, and phone model.
This data can be used to create a detailed user profile, identifying their social connections and habits. Furthermore, WhatsApp may disclose this metadata to law enforcement agencies in case of court-issued requests or other legal mandates.
For instance, in 2021, the media reported that WhatsApp shared user metadata with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on official requests as part of investigations.
2. Data exchange with Meta:
Following its acquisition by Facebook (now Meta) in 2014, WhatsApp initiated a systematic integration of user data across its services.
In the updated 2021 privacy policy, WhatsApp officially authorized the transfer of user data to the Meta ecosystem, including the following:
- Phone number.
- Information about the device (model, operating system, battery level, network signals).
- IP address.
- Interaction data (frequency of feature use, communication with business accounts).
- Information about payments and financial transactions via WhatsApp Pay.
This integration provoked significant discontent and a mass migration of users to alternative messaging platforms such as Signal and Telegram. Despite implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, which has led to certain restrictions on data sharing, Meta continues to engage in information exchange with WhatsApp on a global scale.
3. Vulnerabilities in software:
As with any software application, WhatsApp is vulnerable to technical defects. Examples of such incidents, which have gained considerable media attention, include the following:
- Pegasus by NSO Group (2019):
A WhatsApp voice calling feature vulnerability was identified as a means to install Pegasus spyware on a device without the user’s awareness, exploiting the user’s response to a “missed call.” Pegasus enabled the perpetrators to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s camera, microphone, correspondence, and location.
- Vulnerability with MP4 files (2019):
In addressing a software vulnerability, WhatsApp has implemented a resolution that effectively prevents potential attackers from leveraging a previously identified risk. This vulnerability, which was identified as an error in the application’s handling of multimedia files, specifically MP4 format, could have allowed remote execution of code on the recipient’s device.
- Backdoors via WhatsApp Web:
Previously, vulnerabilities have been identified in the browser version of WhatsApp Web, potentially enabling the theft of user data when accessing fraudulent websites.
It is important to note that WhatsApp periodically releases security updates; however, the identified vulnerabilities underscore the necessity for additional precautions to ensure the absolute security of any mobile application.
How a VPN Increases Your Security on WhatsApp
Using a VPN in conjunction with the WhatsApp messaging application has been demonstrated to enhance user privacy.
IP address hiding:
IP address hiding is a technology that masquerades a user’s IP address by replacing it with the server’s address through which traffic is routed. This complicates the process of tracking the user’s location and identifying them.
Protection from ISPs and third parties:
Utilizing a VPN ensures that your internet traffic is encrypted, preventing even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from discerning your usage of WhatsApp or the content of your transmissions.
Bypass blocking:
In certain countries, the use of WhatsApp is restricted or even prohibited. Using a VPN facilitates the circumvention of these restrictions, enabling unencumbered communication with individuals residing in geographically restricted locations.
Additional anonymity:
Using a VPN impedes the correlation between one’s WhatsApp activity and identity, particularly when a number is not associated with personal information.
Recommendations for Protection in WhatsApp
- Always use a VPN, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
- Enable two-factor authentication in WhatsApp settings.
- Disable cloud backups if you want maximum privacy (they are not encrypted end-to-end).
- Keep an eye out for app updates and install them immediately.
Conclusion
WhatsApp provides a satisfactory level of security; however, it is not entirely impervious to leaks or unauthorized access. While end-to-end encryption is an effective measure for protecting the content of correspondence, it does not extend to metadata, which remains vulnerable. Using a VPN serves as an ancillary safeguard, providing a robust layer of protection by concealing user activity, circumventing censorship, and enhancing online anonymity.
It is evident that using Planet VPN ensures the confidentiality of WhatsApp communications.
