The Indian government’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released a public advisory, urging people to stop using WhatsApp Web on their office computers and laptops. The government body has explained that while it’s convenient to access your personal chats and files on a work device, doing so could expose sensitive information to your employer.
The advisory warns that using WhatsApp Web can give administrators and IT teams access to private conversations and personal files. This could happen through various means, including screen-monitoring software, malware, or browser hijacks.
Avoid WhatsApp Web on office laptop, says Indian government
The warning comes amid growing cybersecurity concerns at workplaces, as the government’s Information Security Awareness (ISEA) team highlights the risks associated with using the messaging platform on corporate devices.
According to the ISEA, several organisations now view WhatsApp Web as a potential security risk – a gateway for malware and phishing attacks that could compromise their entire network. Furthermore, the advisory suggests that even using office Wi-Fi could grant companies some level of access to employees’ personal phones, putting private data at risk.
The advisory also cautions against the “horrors” of using WhatsApp on office devices, such as the potential for data breaches if the laptop is compromised and the risk of data interception on insecure Wi-Fi networks.
What to do if you have to use WhatsApp on office laptop
For those who must use WhatsApp Web, the government recommends several precautions:
– Log out of the service before leaving your desk.
– Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown contacts.
– Familiarise yourself with your company’s policies on using personal applications and devices for work.
