With over 1 billion users worldwide, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps. It offers encryption for messages, calls, photos, videos and voice messages between users. This has led many to believe that WhatsApp is more secure than regular SMS text messaging.
But is this really true? Let’s take a closer look at how WhatsApp and text messaging compare when it comes to security and privacy.
Encryption
One of the main security advantages of WhatsApp is its use of end-to-end encryption for communication between users. This means messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device. Not even WhatsApp itself can decrypt the messages.
SMS text messaging has no encryption by default. Messages are sent in plain text across carrier networks and can be more easily intercepted or accessed by third parties. However, some texting apps like Signal and iMessage do offer encryption.
User Identity
WhatsApp uses your phone number as your username on the platform. When you first sign up, it scans your phone’s contacts to detect which of your contacts are also using WhatsApp. This confirms you are messaging the intended recipient.
With SMS texting, you have no way to confirm the identity of the person receiving your texts if you don’t already know their phone number. User identities can be easily spoofed.
Group Chats
WhatsApp offers encrypted group chats with up to 256 participants. All messages, photos, videos and calls made within the group are secured with encryption.
SMS does not have group messaging abilities, so everything is one-to-one communication only. There are no built-in features for encrypted group chats.
Media Sharing
All photos, videos, documents, voice messages and other media sent through WhatsApp are encrypted during transmission between devices.
SMS messaging provides no encryption for media. Anything you share can be intercepted by hackers, governments or phone carriers.
Backups
WhatsApp gives you the option to create encrypted backups of your message history either locally or in iCloud/Google Drive. This allows you to restore your conversations if you lose your phone.
SMS text messages may be backed up unencrypted to some cloud services. The default iPhone messaging app stores texts in plain text in iCloud backups that can be decrypted.
Metadata
Due to its strong encryption, WhatsApp provides more protection for metadata like your contacts list, group names, profiles etc. This data can reveal a lot about you and your networks.
SMS messaging provides no encryption for metadata, allowing more sensitive information to be collected about your contacts and communication patterns.
Third-Party Access
WhatsApp cannot read your encrypted messages or listen to your calls. Its business model is not based on collecting user data.
SMS text messaging offers little protection against phone carriers or potential government agencies accessing your communication data. Metadata in particular can be easily obtained.
Self-Destructing Messages
WhatsApp allows you to send “disappearing messages” that are automatically deleted after 7 days. This reduces long-term retention of chat history and metadata.
SMS texting has no built-in vanishing message capabilities. Your texts remain stored indefinitely unless you manually delete them.
Two-Step Verification
WhatsApp offers optional two-step verification for your account, adding another layer of security beyond just your phone number and password.
SMS texting does not have two-factor authentication, making it easier for others to access your texts if they hijack your SIM card.
Security Updates
WhatsApp frequently issues security patches, closing vulnerabilities as they arise. It has a dedicated security advisory website detailing its security record.
SMS text messaging relies on carrier networks and phone operating systems for security updates. Old devices may become outdated quickly.
Usability
Despite having stronger security, WhatsApp remains highly usable and intuitive for the average consumer. It mirrors native texting abilities while adding encryption.
SMS is universally compatible across devices but has weak default security. Extra steps would be needed to add encryption through other apps.
Cost
WhatsApp is free to use with no subscription fees or data charges (except for phone internet connection). The strong security comes at no extra monetary cost.
SMS texting requires a cell phone plan and may incur extra data or texting charges. Added encryption would require downloading third party apps which may have paid tiers.
Conclusion
In summary, WhatsApp provides much stronger security, privacy and encryption capabilities compared to traditional SMS text messaging. The only advantage of SMS is universal compatibility across devices. For an average user concerned about personal communication security, WhatsApp would be the encryption messaging app of choice.