Millions of people around the world use WhatsApp for photo-video sharing and messaging. WhatsApp upgrades security and privacy from time to time, but sometimes small negligence can trap users in the trap of hackers.

If you too are keeping this setting of WhatsApp on, then you should turn it off immediately, otherwise, your data can be hacked and the risk of a cyber attack on the phone can increase.

How can the danger increase?

Cybercriminals often make people their victims by sending fake links, virus-infected files, or spyware. If the 'Auto-download media' feature is on in your WhatsApp, then any spyware or virus file can be downloaded without your permission. This can make the entire data of your phone reach the hackers, due to which you may have to face banking fraud, data theft, and other cyber attacks.

Immediately turn off this setting of WhatsApp.
If you want to keep your WhatsApp safe, then turn off this feature immediately by following the steps given below.

1. Open WhatsApp.

2. Click on the three dots (⋮) on the top right of the screen.

3. Select the Settings option.

4. Go to the Chats section.

5. Turn off the Media Visibility toggle.

What will happen by turning off this feature?

- No file, photo, or video coming on WhatsApp will be downloaded without your permission.

- Your phone will be safe from malicious files and viruses.

- Your data will be protected from unwanted access so that your chats and media will be safe.

This feature of WhatsApp looks right, but can also be dangerous from the cyber security point of view. Therefore, if you have kept the media visibility feature on till now, then turn it off immediately.

Never do these things.
If you receive any link or file on WhatsApp, you should avoid clicking on it. You should first check the number from which the file has come. Many times, enticing links can also come on WhatsApp, which can get you in trouble.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.