Table of contents
- What are ephemeral messages?
- How ephemeral messages work on WhatsApp
- Why enable ephemeral messages
- Why you might avoid ephemeral messages
- Comparing platforms with ephemeral messaging
- Example: Ephemeral messages in corporate policy
- Advanced security practices
In the field of cyber security, one of the core principles is data control—both in personal and professional contexts. Among the tools that help achieve this control, ephemeral messages have gained popularity in recent years.
Originally introduced by Snapchat and later adopted by WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and others, this feature promises better privacy and reduced digital traces. But are they really secure? And when does it make sense to use them?
This article explores what ephemeral messages are, how they work on WhatsApp, their advantages for information security, and the risks of relying on them too heavily.
We’ll also compare how different messaging platforms implement this feature and provide examples of secure usage, both personally and in business settings.
What are ephemeral messages?
Ephemeral messages are a specific type of digital communication designed to self-destruct after a preset amount of time or upon being viewed.
They can contain text, images, videos, or files and are primarily intended to limit data persistence, protect user privacy, and reduce exposure to data breaches or interception.
From a cyber security standpoint, ephemeral messaging enables users to minimize their digital footprint, making it harder for sensitive conversations to be stored, leaked, or misused later.
Origin and context of ephemeral messages
The idea of ephemeral messaging emerged from growing concerns about digital privacy in an era where every message could be saved, recorded, or forwarded without the sender’s consent.
Snapchat pioneered this concept by introducing photos and messages that disappear after seconds, changing the traditional idea of digital communication.
Later, other platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger adopted their own versions of ephemeral messages, adapting them to different security needs and user demands.
How ephemeral messages work technically
When you send an ephemeral message, the system associates a timer or condition with the content. This could be:
- A fixed time after delivery (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days, 90 days on WhatsApp)
- The viewing event (e.g., message opens once on Snapchat)
- The end of a secure session (e.g., secret chats on Telegram)
The message is stored temporarily on the app’s memory. Once the time limit is reached or the condition is met, the message is automatically deleted from both the sender’s and recipient’s devices. In systems like Telegram’s secret chats, deletion is managed with end-to-end encryption, ensuring that even servers do not keep copies.
However, it is crucial to remember that ephemeral messages do not guarantee full protection. Recipients can take screenshots, record screens, or photograph the content with another device.
Practical example: using WhatsApp ephemeral messages
Imagine Sarah, a project manager, needs to send a temporary password to her colleague, James. To reduce risks associated with permanent storage, she activates ephemeral messages set to expire after 24 hours.
She writes:
Sarah: “Temporary password for Project Alpha: P@ssw0rd_24H. Please update it by tomorrow.”
After 24 hours, the message disappears automatically from both chats. Even if James forgets to delete it, the system ensures it’s removed.
While this mechanism improves communication security, it is still dependent on responsible user behavior.
Intuitive analogy: the message written on sand
A helpful way to understand ephemeral messages is to imagine writing a sentence in the sand near the ocean. The message is visible only for a few minutes before the waves wash it away.
Similarly, an ephemeral message is designed to exist briefly and leave no permanent trace on digital devices.
How ephemeral messages work on WhatsApp
The introduction of ephemeral messages on WhatsApp marked a significant advancement in the realm of privacy and communication security.
With this feature, users can send messages that automatically self-delete after a predetermined amount of time, reducing the risk that sensitive data will be stored or accidentally leaked.
Understanding how WhatsApp ephemeral messages work involves more than just knowing how to activate them. It also means grasping the technical management of expiration, the feature’s limitations, and when it’s particularly beneficial or risky.
How to activate ephemeral messages
On WhatsApp, you can enable ephemeral messages either per conversation or by setting a default timer for all future chats.
To activate ephemeral messages for an existing individual or group chat, you simply open the conversation, tap on the contact or group name, select “Disappearing Messages,” and choose your desired expiration period: 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
If you prefer this setting for all new chats, you can go to Settings > Privacy > Default Message Timer and select a default timer. Every new conversation created after that will automatically have disappearing messages enabled.
In group chats, only admins have the authority to decide who can change the disappearing messages settings, giving group owners more control over message retention.
What happens to messages after they expire
Once an ephemeral message is sent, WhatsApp manages its expiration locally on the devices of both sender and recipient. After the set time limit, the message is automatically deleted.
Regarding cloud backups (e.g., Google Drive or iCloud), expired ephemeral messages are not included if they have already disappeared before the backup is made. However, if a backup is created before expiration, the ephemeral message might temporarily be included and could be restored later.
Another important detail is that quoted replies can partially preserve the content of an ephemeral message. When someone replies to a disappearing message, a small excerpt may remain visible even after the original message is deleted.
Limitations and vulnerabilities of WhatsApp ephemeral messages
Despite their usefulness, ephemeral messages on WhatsApp have notable limitations that users must consider carefully from a cyber security perspective.
First and foremost, WhatsApp does not prevent recipients from saving message content through screenshots, screen recordings, or even manually copying the message before it expires.
There is also no notification if a screenshot is taken, unlike other apps like Telegram or Snapchat.
Practical example: correct use of ephemeral messages
Imagine John, a manager at an IT company, needs to send temporary credentials to his technical team.
He creates a WhatsApp group, sets ephemeral messages to 24 hours, and shares the access details. This way, even if a device is compromised days later, the sensitive information would no longer be available.
However, John also instructs his team to avoid local storage of the credentials and to update passwords immediately after use, understanding that true security requires more than just relying on the ephemeral setting.
Why enable ephemeral messages
In a digital era where every communication can be saved, forwarded, or compromised, enabling ephemeral messages is a strategic move for anyone concerned with privacy and cyber security.
It’s not simply a “modern” or “convenient” feature: the conscious use of disappearing messages significantly impacts how we protect data, limit digital footprints, and reduce the risks associated with information theft.
The rationale for activating ephemeral messages is rooted in one of the key principles of cyber security: reducing the attack surface.
The more data that remains stored on devices or cloud servers, the greater the risk that this data could be compromised, intercepted, or misused. By setting messages to auto-delete after a certain time, users can minimize the exposure of sensitive information.
Another crucial benefit is related to personal privacy protection. In situations where private information such as addresses, identity documents, login credentials, or financial details are shared, ephemeral messages greatly reduce the window of vulnerability. If a device is lost or hacked, the potential damage is significantly lessened, as many communications would have already disappeared.
From a legal and regulatory perspective, using ephemeral messages also helps comply with data minimization principles established by regulations like the GDPR.
The European General Data Protection Regulation states that personal data should only be retained for as long as necessary. Disappearing messages align naturally with this requirement by ensuring that communication does not linger longer than needed.
Example
Imagine a company that communicates temporary operational instructions to employees via WhatsApp. By enabling ephemeral messages with a 24-hour expiration, the company reduces the risk of outdated or sensitive information circulating uncontrollably.
Similarly, a lawyer discussing a preliminary defense strategy with a client may choose to ensure that no permanent record of that sensitive conversation remains.
Finally, there’s an often-overlooked psychological aspect: greater control over communication behavior. Knowing that a message will vanish encourages users to be more concise, precise, and responsible in what they write, ultimately enhancing the quality of both internal and external communications.
However, it’s critical to understand that ephemeral messages should not be viewed as a complete security solution on their own. They must be integrated into a broader data protection and digital awareness strategy, which includes encrypted backups, two-factor authentication, secure device management, and continuous user education.

Why you might avoid ephemeral messages
Although ephemeral messages provide clear advantages in terms of privacy and security, their use is not always advisable and can introduce significant risks in certain contexts.
Understanding the limitations and potential dangers associated with this feature is crucial when deciding whether to incorporate it into a broader cyber security strategy.
Perhaps the most critical concern with ephemeral messages is the false sense of security they can create. Users, reassured by the idea of automatic message deletion, may lower their guard and share highly sensitive information without proper precautions.
In reality, the fact that a message is set to disappear does not prevent recipients from taking screenshots, recording the screen, photographing the device, or forwarding the content before it is deleted. As a result, the protection offered by ephemeral messaging is only relative and does not guarantee that information cannot be copied or distributed.
Another very tangible risk is the accidental loss of important information. In professional environments, relying heavily on ephemeral messages can lead to the disappearance of communications that, although temporary, had operational, historical, or legal significance. Without a proper controlled archiving or backup system, some vital information could be lost irreversibly, causing serious organizational problems.
From a legal perspective, many businesses—especially in financial, healthcare, and legal sectors—are subject to mandatory communication retention regulations. Using ephemeral messaging without carefully assessing regulatory requirements can lead to compliance violations, fines, and legal disputes.
Example
If a bank discussed contractual terms via WhatsApp using ephemeral messages, it could face penalties for failing to comply with transparency and documentation regulations.
Example
Imagine Helen, an HR manager, offering a job proposal to a candidate via a chat with 24-hour disappearing messages. If the candidate later contested the terms of the offer, the company might find itself without documentary proof, exposing itself to legal risks that could have easily been avoided by maintaining a stable record of the conversation.
Finally, it is important to consider the impact on corporate transparency and internal accountability. In some organizations, overusing ephemeral messages might be perceived as an attempt to evade controls or hide information, undermining trust between collaborators and stakeholders.
In conclusion, while acknowledging the usefulness of ephemeral messages in certain specific scenarios, it is essential to use them judiciously and to integrate them into a broader, context-appropriate data management strategy that accounts for operational, legal, and cultural factors.
Comparing platforms with ephemeral messaging
Here’s how WhatsApp compares to others:
Platform | Message Types | Custom Timer? | Screenshot Alerts |
24h, 7d, 90d | No (fixed options) | No | |
Signal | 5s to 1 week | Yes | No |
Telegram | Secret chats only | Yes (1s to 7d) | Yes |
Snapchat | After viewing | No | Yes (for photos) |
Signal offers the most customizable security while Telegram adds screenshot alerts, which WhatsApp currently lacks.
Example: Ephemeral messages in corporate policy
A company with a BYOD policy may define the following internal guideline:
**Ephemeral Messaging Policy:**
– Required for internal conversations involving confidential info
– Forbidden for client or external partner communication
– Passwords and credentials must never be sent via ephemeral messages
– Auto-backups disabled on corporate devices
– MDM software in place to monitor message behavior
Such policies balance privacy with accountability and data control.
Advanced security practices
While ephemeral messages are an important step toward safer digital communications, they are not sufficient on their own to guarantee full protection.
To maximize security and minimize residual risks, it is essential to adopt a set of advanced techniques that reinforce the use of disappearing messages within a broader, more resilient cyber security framework.
One of the first and most effective measures is implementing biometric authentication on mobile devices. Using facial recognition or fingerprint unlock ensures that even if a device is lost or stolen, unauthorized access to ephemeral messages is significantly hindered. This adds a crucial physical security layer to the data stored on the device.
At the same time, enabling full disk encryption is critical. This ensures that even if an attacker gains physical access to the device’s memory, the stored data remains unreadable without the proper decryption key. Modern smartphones, whether Android or iOS, typically offer this feature either by default or through straightforward security settings.
Specifically concerning ephemeral messaging, it is advisable to disable screenshot functionality within messaging apps whenever possible. Some applications like Telegram in secret chats block screenshots by default, while others may require the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, particularly in corporate environments.
Another powerful technique is integrating Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems. DLP solutions allow organizations to monitor and control the flow of sensitive files and data across company devices. Through automated policies, they can prevent confidential documents from being attached to conversations, even when messages are set to self-destruct.
On an operational level, a best practice involves avoiding the direct sharing of sensitive documents via messaging apps altogether. Instead, users should send temporary secure links to documents stored on encrypted cloud services with time-restricted access. This way, even if a message is intercepted, accessing the protected data would require an additional layer of authentication.
Finally, a technique often underestimated but absolutely vital is ongoing user training. No technological solution, however sophisticated, can substitute for human awareness. Regularly educating employees or users about the correct use of ephemeral messages, best security practices, and potential risks is essential for truly effective protection.
Ultimately, ephemeral messages must be seen as one piece of a larger security puzzle. When combined with appropriate technological safeguards and a corporate culture oriented toward security, they can be a valuable ally in protecting both personal and organizational data.
Questions and answers
- Are ephemeral messages truly secure?
More secure than regular messages, but not invulnerable. Screenshots and forensic tools can still capture them. - Does WhatsApp notify if someone takes a screenshot?
No, unlike Telegram or Snapchat. - Should I send passwords through ephemeral messages?
No. Use encrypted vaults or secure channels for that. - Can I use them in group chats?
Yes, if the group admin allows it. - Are ephemeral messages backed up?
Only if they haven’t expired yet during the backup. - Can I set a custom timer?
Not on WhatsApp. Signal and Telegram offer more flexibility. - Is it legal to use ephemeral messages at work?
Depends on your industry. Some regulations require data retention. - Can expired messages be recovered?
Not directly, but recovery is possible through forensics if not fully deleted. - How do I enable ephemeral messages by default?
Go to Settings > Privacy > Default Message Timer. - Do voice notes also disappear?
Yes, they follow the same timer rule as text and media.