Facebook explains how WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups work
On September 10, 2021, WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups for Android and iOS devices is officially announced. This feature allows you to further strengthen and protect the privacy of message backups. The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has provided end-to-end encrypted messages for a while now, although that additional security has not been used for backups in the past.
It also does not apply to the media and relies on encryption services provided by a cloud provider that backs up the service. Those cloud providers can explain them and if there is a need that has arisen, and to know privacy, that is obviously very small.
The company has begun testing hidden end-to-end backups in the beta version of WhatsApp, and now, before its extensive release, Facebook has explained exactly how those encrypted backups work.
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How WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backups work
Facebook says it has launched a completely new end-to-end encryption system that works on both iOS and Android. Backups are encrypted with a unique, random key, and the key can be saved manually or by a password.
If the user wants to keep your password, they can access the Hardware-security-module-based Backup Key Vault to retrieve their encryption key and delete the backup.
This vault is responsible for enforcing password verification attempts and providing the key to permanent access after many unsuccessful attempts to recover it. This prevents power attacks, and WhatsApp will never know the key.
Storing keys in the Backup Key Vault
WhatsApp uses an earlier service called ChatD, which manages customer communication and customer authentication. It will apply a protocol that sends backup keys to and from WhatsApp servers, as well as the client and key vault exchange encrypted messages.
Backups are performed as a continuous stream of encrypted data – e.g., the encryption key can be used to decrypt it. Once encrypted, backups can be stored anywhere outside the site, including Google Drive or iCloud.
Facebook says to help address the number of users who rely on WhatsApp, the main vault service will be distributed geographically across all data centers once completed. Facebook also released two graphics that show how end-encryption works when you use a key to delete your backup, or when you use a user password to clear your encryption.
Here’s the encryption and decryption process when using a password
If the account owner uses a password to access their backup, then it will work via the following process to retrieve the key from the key vault.
- They enter their password, which is encrypted and then verified by the Backup Key Vault.
- Once the password is verified, the Backup Key Vault will send the encryption key back to the WhatsApp client.
- With the key in hand, the WhatsApp client can then decrypt the backups.
If the 64-bit key alone is what’s being used, then the user will need to manually save and enter the key themselves.
WhatsApp is one of the most used messaging services, owned by Facebook. It allows you to send/receive text, photos, videos, documents, location, and voice/video calls. Also, you can share some of your most personal moments because of its end-to-end encryption security with the help of WhatsApp.
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To maintain the popularity of WhatsApp, the company continuously works to add new features and improve the presently available features. Also, as a beta tester, you’ll receive an update that includes a testing version of WhatsApp Messenger on the Beta channel.
WhatsApp Messenger APK “2.23.4.77 – STABLE
WhatsApp Messenger APK “2.23.4.18” – BETA
- Get the latest WhatsApp Beta via the Link
Take a look at the features of WhatsApp
TEXTS – Simple, Reliable Messaging
WhatsApp uses your phone’s Internet connection to send messages so you can avoid SMS fees.
GROUP CHAT – Groups to keep in touch
With group chats, you can share messages, photos, and videos with up to 256 people at once. You can also name your group, mute or customize notifications, and more.
WHATSAPP VOICE AND VIDEO CALLS – Speak Freely
With voice calls, you can talk to your friends and family for free, even if they’re in another country. And with free video calls, you can have face-to-face conversations when voice or text just isn’t enough.
WHATSAPP ON WEB AND DESKTOP – Keep the Conversation Going
With WhatsApp on the web and desktop, you can seamlessly sync all of your chats to your computer so that you can chat on whatever device is most convenient for you.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS – Share Moments that Matter
Send photos and videos on WhatsApp instantly. You can even capture the moments that matter to you most with a built-in camera. With WhatsApp, photos and videos send quickly even if you’re on a slow connection.
END-TO-END ENCRYPTION – Security by Default
When end-to-end encrypted, your messages and calls are secured so only you and the person you’re communicating with can read or listen to them, and nobody in between, not even WhatsApp.
DOCUMENTS – Document Sharing Made Easy
Send PDFs, documents, spreadsheets, slideshows, and more, without the hassle of email or file-sharing apps. You can send documents up to 100 MB, so it’s easy to get what you need over to who you want.
VOICE MESSAGES – Say What’s On Your Mind
Sometimes, your voice says it all. With just one tap you can record a Voice Message, perfect for a quick hello or a longer story.
WhatsApp is rolling out the February 2023 update for the app users that installs a bunch of new features. One of those new features is the ability to send up to 100 pictures and videos at once to a WhatsApp chat or group.
While sharing media on WhatsApp, at one time or the other, everyone might have come across this problem that the app cannot share more than 30 images or videos at a time.
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This is very annoying when you have less time or more media items to share. Thankfully, we no longer have to go through this kind of problem as we can now send up to 100 pictures and videos within our WhatsApp chats, making it easier for users to share entire albums with their friends and family.
Aside from this, the latest WhatsApp update also adds the ability to attach a caption when sharing documents so you have a new way to describe them. It further lets you choose a longer subject and description for your groups so that you can better describe groups.
In addition to this, the company also makes it possible to better express yourself by creating an avatar to use as a sticker and profile photo. It’s worth mentioning that this feature is already available in the app (Via WABetaInfo) but the company has now only mentioned it in the changelog.
WhatsApp has been offering the ability to delete messages for everyone for years. But have you ever mistakenly deleted the message just from your side when you want to delete it for another side as well? It’s so embarring. Therefore, Whatsapp now allows you to retain deleted messages so you can later delete them for everyone.
Recently, this famous messaging application has started to roll out a new update for Android and iOS users. As per the official information, this WhatsApp update makes it possible to retain your deleted messages by mistake for a few seconds.
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Now when you delete a message just for you, you will see an “Undo” option at the bottom of your screen. When you tap on it, your deleted message will start appearing on the chat again. You can now use the “Delete for everyone” function to delete the message from another side too.
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However, this retrieve ability will only be available for a few seconds when you delete the message. So if you want to keep your messages, don’t take much time to think and hit the Undo button.
It is worth mentioning that the Undo option will only appear when you tap the “Delete for me” option. And when you hit the “Delete for everyone” option, that message will be permanently deleted from both sides.
Do note that this is a staged rollout. This feature might not be present on your WhatsApp at this moment. However, the company is continuously expanding it and it will reach your Android or iOS phone as well. Make sure to upgrade your WhatsApp to the latest version to get this function.
"Delete for Me" 🤦🤦🤦
We've all been there, but now you can UNDO when you accidentally delete a message for you that you meant to delete for everyone! pic.twitter.com/wWgJ3JRc2r
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) December 19, 2022