WhatsApp
Security Features
For
years, a six-digit PIN was the primary way to secure WhatsApp accounts.
However, that is changing now.
Meta’s
messaging app has announced new security features designed to protect user
accounts against hackers and online fraud.
The most
significant change concerns "two-step verification." Now Users will
be set a strong password—incorporating letters, numbers, and special characters—instead
of relying solely on a six-digit PIN.
Passkey
WhatsApp
is also enhancing its "passkey" option. Android users will
receive more information about calls from unknown numbers upfront, so they can decide
whether to answer.
This
update comes as hackers are attempting to compromise WhatsApp accounts by
deceiving users through phishing and social engineering; in other words, the
target is no longer just the app's security, but the user themselves.
With
over three billion people using WhatsApp worldwide, this security
adjustment—while seemingly minor—will benefit users.
Simply
put, WhatsApp no longer wants to rely exclusively on a six-digit PIN for
account protection; instead, it aims to provide users with high security.
New Security Features of WhatsApp?
According to WhatsApp, your chats belong only to you and the people you are talking to. That's why WhatsApp chats are already end-to-end encrypted, and it’s now introducing new features to keep your account safe.
·
More
than a billion people are using 'Passkey', which allows you to log back
into WhatsApp with fingerprint, Face ID, or phone screen lock; no need to
remember any code or PIN. According to WhatsApp, more than one billion people
have already set up a passkey. You can now add multiple passkeys to an account
if you use both Android and iPhone. To set this, go to Settings, then Account,
and then Passkey.
·
Two-step
verification will now be stronger. It is a security layer, or shield for your account.
Even if someone gets hold of your one-time code, it will still be difficult to
take over the account. Previously, only a six-digit PIN, but now you'll create
a longer password with letters, numbers, and special characters. If
you're still using a password like '123456', it's time to change it.
·
More
information before an unknown call: i.e., if a call comes from a number that is
not saved in your contacts, some additional information may be helpful instead
of picking up the call immediately. WhatsApp on Android will now also tell the
number is from another country and weather you share group with the person. That
way, if the call is suspicious, you'll have an option to think before
answering.
WhatsApp
states that fraudsters often pressure people into making hasty decisions. Even
a little extra information about an unknown call can help protect you from being
scammed.
WhatsApp
is introducing new features to strengthen its security and privacy.
In this
regard, the company launched a new feature last June aimed at assisting users
who wish to stay in touch with others without sharing their phone numbers.
WhatsApp
introduced a username feature to achieve this option, allowing anyone to
contact you using only your username.
This
keeps your phone number private and prevents other people from calling you
directly or sending you SMS messages.
However,
in 2023, WhatsApp introduced a feature to silence calls from unknown callers.
In 2023,
WhatsApp added two system features— 'Silence Unknown Callers' and 'Privacy
Checkup'—to further strengthen user privacy.
The 'Silence
Unknown Callers' feature silences calls from unknown numbers, as well as
spam and fraudulent calls, preventing the phone from ringing; however, these
calls still appear in the call log.
Meanwhile,
'Privacy Checkup' guides users through a step-by-step review of their
privacy settings, allowing them to choose the security options that best suit
their preferences regarding messages, calls, and personal information.
WhatsApp
also states that securing private communications is a priority; that is why the
company encourages users to stay in touch with friends and family through
private messaging in a secure environment.
For more Interesting Articles Click the Link: Technology Trends
Comments
Post a Comment