WhatsApp Plus, an unofficial version of WhatsApp, is well known for it is enhanced customization and privacy features. But there are some of the main risks to keep in mind that call into question its safety. WhatsApp Plus is not a verified app therefore it doesn’t have any end-to-end encryption or security protocols to find reliable patches, like the official one offers with WhatsApp, which means that there are two important points: Without end-to-end encryption, messages on WhatsApp Plus are more susceptible to interception and may reveal personal data. Data breaches risk for third-party apps like WhatsApp Plus increases to 30% than official app, as highlighted by a 2023 cybersecurity study regarding the trade-off between security and features.
Another issue is the ban of accounts since WhatsApp Plus is against the rule of WhatsApp. WhatsApp has so far banned more than 2 million accounts associated with modified apps such as WhatsApp Plus, which it considers unauthorized in 2022 alone. It is important to mention that users have reported warnings or sudden bans on their accounts, while WhatsApp Plus included “anti-ban” features to evade bans. “Never modify your apps,” tech analyst Eva Galperin says. “Doing so can result in unexpected restrictions on your account and security issues.” This risk of suspension, as can be imagined by the readers using WhatsApp for vital communications seems to be a major drawback.
WhatsApp Plus is not available on the Google Play Store, so however to install WhatsApp Plus you also have to enable downloads from unknown sources. This action easily defeats Google’s Play Protect and can allow other malicious malware or spyware directly into the device. According to Forbes, apps downloaded from sources other than the official application store are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of malware infections on Android. One of the factors that tech experts highlight when discussing the question of whether WhatsApp Plus is safe, is the possibility that users downloading it will expose their devices to security vulnerabilities.
WhatsApp Plus gives access to more user data than the original WhatsApp, with little information on how this data is stored or used. Additionally, some third-party applications are believed to resell user information to advertisers; so another privacy danger. Without any regulation, there is no redress for a data breach
Despite its enticing features (improved themes, file-sharing capacities of up to 50 MB and advanced privacy settings), WhatsApp Plus is still regarded by all experts as a modified version of the app; therefore, it does not guarantee accounts safety. Based on these data, those users who use whatsapp plus should be careful because there is no official security guarantee and may face account suspension in latin america, which greatly reduces the safety characteristics of the app.