“Secure Your Messaging Apps: A Guide to Protecting Your Messenger, Zalo and Telegram Accounts”

"Protecting your data and personal information on popular messaging apps such as Telegram, Zalo, and Messenger is crucial for staying safe online. With sophisticated writing skills, we can empower users, especially women, to take control of their digital privacy and avoid potential risks and threats."

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Image of a phone with a lock and a Telegram logo, illustrating the need for enhanced security measures.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This method adds an extra layer of authentication beyond your Telegram login password. As a result, your data and account are comprehensively protected against malicious attacks.

Step 1: Access the Telegram application, go to Settings, and select Privacy and Security.

Image of Telegram settings with the "Privacy and Security" option highlighted.

Step 2: In the Security section, tap Two-Step Verification to enable the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) feature.

Image of the "Two-Step Verification" option within Telegram settings.

Step 3: Enter your two-step verification password to complete the process.

Image of the password entry screen for two-step verification.

Check Devices Logged into Your Account

This action helps you detect and disconnect any unfamiliar devices accessing your Telegram account, ensuring its safety.

Step 1: In the Settings menu, select Devices to review the current connections to your account.

Image of the "Devices" section in Telegram settings, showing a list of connected devices.

Step 2: If you notice any unfamiliar devices, tap Terminate All Other Sessions to immediately disconnect them.

Hide Your Personal Phone Number

Since Telegram connects to your personal phone number, other users can view your contact information. This may lead to unwanted additions to groups or scam attempts. Therefore, it’s essential to hide your phone number to protect your privacy.

Step 1: In the Telegram app’s Settings, select Privacy and Security.

Image of the Telegram settings with the "Privacy and Security" option highlighted.

Step 2: In the Privacy section, set the status of Phone Number to Nobody to hide your number from all other users.

Image of the "Privacy" settings in Telegram, with the "Phone Number" option set to "Nobody."

Disable Automatic File Downloads from Groups

Besides consuming storage space, automatic file downloads can be a vector for malicious files or viruses. Follow these steps to disable this feature:

Step 1: In the Telegram Settings, locate and select Data and Storage.

Image of the Telegram settings with the "Data and Storage" option highlighted.

Step 2: Find and select the options Using Cellular and Using Wi-Fi within the Automatic Media Download section.

Image of the "Automatic Media Download" settings, with "Using Cellular" and "Using Wi-Fi" options highlighted.

Step 3: In both sections, disable Auto-Download Media to prevent automatic downloads.

Image illustrating the need to disable automatic media downloads to enhance security.

Set a Screen Lock Code

By setting a screen lock code, you add an extra layer of protection to your Zalo account, preventing unauthorized access. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: After launching the Zalo app, go to the Personal section and select the gear icon to access Settings.

Image of the Zalo app with the "Personal" section and "gear icon" settings button highlighted.

Step 2: Next, choose Account and Security and tap Lock Zalo.

Image of the "Account and Security" settings in Zalo, with the "Lock Zalo" option highlighted.

Step 3: Tap Set Passcode, create your new passcode, and confirm it. From now on, you’ll need to enter this passcode to access the app.

Image of the passcode setup screen in Zalo, where users can create a new passcode.

Restrict Friend Requests from Strangers

By blocking friend requests from strangers, you can comprehensively protect your personal information from prying eyes. This prevents others from finding your phone number or adding you to unwanted groups. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: On the Zalo home screen, tap the gear icon to access Settings.

Image of the Zalo home screen with the "gear icon" settings button highlighted.

Step 2: Go to Privacy and then select Manage search & friend request sources.

Image of the "Privacy" settings in Zalo, with the "Manage search & friend request sources" option highlighted.

Step 3: On the new screen, uncheck the boxes next to QR Code, Zalo Name Card, Common Groups, and disable Search by Phone Number.

Image instructing users to uncheck specific options to restrict friend requests from strangers.

Enable App Unlock with Face ID/Touch ID or PIN

This feature adds an extra layer of protection for Messenger users. It ensures that your personal data, messages, and account information remain secure. Messenger will only grant access to the device’s owner by confirming their identity. Here’s how to enable it:

Step 1: On the Messenger home screen, tap the three-line icon in the top-left corner, then select the gear icon to access Settings.

Image of the Messenger home screen with the "three-line icon" and "gear icon" settings buttons highlighted.

Step 2: Choose Privacy and Safety, then select App Lock to activate this feature.

Image of the "Privacy and Safety" settings in Messenger, with the "App Lock" option highlighted.

Step 3: You can choose to use Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your phone’s unlock settings. Messenger will display a confirmation message. After entering your phone’s passcode, you’ll have successfully activated the App Lock feature on Messenger.

Image of the confirmation screen for enabling the "App Lock" feature in Messenger.

Additional Security Tips for Messaging Apps

Image reminding users to be vigilant and cautious when using messaging apps.

It’s crucial to be vigilant and cautious when interacting with strangers on messaging apps. Besides proactively setting up security measures, you should also be cautious when engaging with other users. Avoid interacting with strangers, and never share personal information with anyone. Be wary of requests for loans or invitations to join groups, as these could be scams. Additionally, stay updated with the latest app versions to benefit from improved security features.

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