WhatsApp Boosts Security
Three new features aim to prevent account takeovers and scams, including expanded passkey support and stronger two-step verification
WhatsApp has announced three new security features to make accounts more secure. The features include expanded passkey support, stronger two-step verification, and a feature to make calls from unknown contacts safer.
More than 1 billion people use passkeys to log back into their WhatsApp accounts, and the company has now expanded passkey support to allow more than one passkey for the same account. This feature was first introduced on Android in October 2023 and later expanded to iPhone in April.
WhatsApp's two-step verification feature has also been strengthened to support full alphanumeric passwords, including special characters. This adds an extra layer of protection to prevent someone from taking over an account, even if they obtain the one-time passcode.
In addition, WhatsApp is introducing a feature to make calls from unknown contacts safer on Android. When a user receives a call from someone not saved in their contacts, they will see more information about the caller, such as whether the number is from a different country and if they have any groups in common.
## What's more The company is also rolling out a Scam Alert feature to a small number of Android beta users. This feature uses on-device machine learning to analyze incoming messages from unknown contacts and alert users if they exhibit patterns common in scams. The feature is optional and must be enabled manually by users.
## Why it matters These new security features aim to prevent account takeovers and scams, which can have serious consequences for users. By providing additional layers of protection, WhatsApp is helping to ensure that users' accounts and personal information remain secure. With more than 1 billion people using passkeys to log back into their accounts, these features are an important step in protecting users' privacy and security.
The introduction of these features also highlights the ongoing efforts of tech companies to improve security and protect users from scams and cyber threats. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more advanced security features in the future.
