Renowned messaging app WhatsApp is planning to stop offering “unlimited storage” for chat backups in future.
The meta-owned app along with Google, will remove the unlimited quota option for WhatsApp backups and will notify its users in advance.
Currently available on the WhatsApp Business beta for Android 2.23.24.21 update, the two companies intend to roll out this change to beta testers soon, followed by everyone else next year, WaBetaInfo reported.
When implemented, this change will bring WhatsApp’s backup feature at par with that of iOS with the users being able to continue backing up their data without any extra cost — on condition that they have storage space available within the 15GB limit of their Google account or any other additional storage subscription such as Google One plan.
The end of limitless capacity for WhatsApp backups on Android will definitely affect users who have benefited from the convenience of automated and unrestricted data backups over the years.
Users who reach the aforementioned storage space limit will have to free up some space to continue backing up their chats.
The end of limitless capacity for WhatsApp backups on Android will definitely affect users who have benefited from the convenience of automated and unrestricted data backups over the years.
The shift is expected to be noticed most strongly by individuals who rely extensively on multimedia messaging, resulting in greater backup file sizes.
It is to be noted that the meta-owned app has made several changes to the backup option — including reducing backup sizes — which will act as a mitigating factor allowing users to backup more data while conforming to the 15GB Google account limit.
What can you do to mitigate changes in the unlimited storage option?
Cleanup
Examine your future Google Drive backups by identifying any redundant or obsolete data in your current chat history.
Clean up unnecessary files and ensure that only essential data is backed up.
Alter media auto-download settings
Make necessary changes to auto-download media settings to exert more control over what is stored in the backup as files which are auto-downloaded are backed up by default.
Let go of old chats
Delete old and unimportant conversations to reduce the space of the data that you want to store in the backup.
By allowing only essential chats to be backed up, users can significantly optimise their limited storage space.
Utlise disappearing messages option
You can enable disappearing messages in conversations where losing messages and media isn’t a concern to automatically delete messages after a specified period.
By choosing to not save pointless conversations, this feature can minimise the size of backups and minimise the effects of modifications made to WhatsApp backup storage.
The National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) has released a security advisory concerning the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, emphasizing potential hazards related to the exposing of private data.
The recommendation recognizes that AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, have gained significant popularity for personal and professional duties owing to their capacity to improve productivity and engagement. Nonetheless, the CERT cautions that these AI systems frequently retain sensitive information, so posing a danger of data breaches.
Engagements with AI chatbots may encompass sensitive information, such as corporate strategy, personal dialogues, or confidential correspondence, which could be compromised if inadequately safeguarded. The warning emphasizes the necessity for a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to alleviate concerns associated with AI chatbot utilization.
Users are advised against inputting critical information into AI chatbots and are encouraged to deactivate any chat-saving functionalities to mitigate the danger of unwanted data access. The CERT additionally advises performing routine system security checks and employing monitoring tools to identify any anomalous behavior from AI chatbots.
Organizations are urged to adopt rigorous security protocols to safeguard against possible data breaches resulting from AI-driven interactions.
Air Marshal (R) Asad Lodhi has praised the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, an initiative by the Air University and Higher Education Commission that aims to train future cyber security experts and pioneers. At the opening ceremony of the two-day Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which took place at Air University in Islamabad, he was the chief guest. Showdown challenges, the Ideas Cup, and the Pakistan Crypt Challenge are all part of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, which lasts for two days.
Air Marshal (R) Abdul Moeed Khan, VC of Air University, made a speech praising the cyber security abilities of Pakistani youth, saying that they are among the best in the world and will help the country face cyber threats. A haven for cyber security excellence, he said, Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge 2024. Additionally, he praised the Air University for its innovative and outstanding work in this area. At the inaugural ceremony of the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge, Dr. Zia Ul Qayyum, executive director of the Higher Education Commission, also spoke to the crowd. He discussed how HEC has created a welcoming atmosphere and helped facilitate projects such as the Pakistan Cyber Security Challenge. As part of the inauguration event, an MoU was also signed. Guests and participants were given souvenirs as the opening ceremony came to a close.