WhatsApp has announced the release of a major upgrade to its popular chat app, introducing three new features aimed at boosting security and giving users more ways to prevent hackers from accessing their chats. The Meta-owned platform is rolling out the update to billions of users globally.
“On WhatsApp, your conversations belong only to you and the people you're talking to,” the company said in an update. “It's why we built end-to-end encryption by default, and it's why we continue adding new ways to keep your account secure and in your hands.”
Multiple passkeys and stronger verification
Firstly, WhatsApp is introducing an update to its passkey feature, which requires users to use fingerprint, face ID, or a screen lock code to access chats. The update allows those with both Apple and Android devices to add multiple passkeys to their accounts instead of just one. To get started, users simply need to go to Settings > Account > Passkeys.
Next, there's a change to two-step verification, which is now getting stronger and harder for crooks to guess. When trying to access an account, WhatsApp currently uses a six-digit PIN, but this can now be changed to a full password, making it much harder to crack.
Explaining more, WhatsApp said, “Two-step verification is an extra protection layer that helps prevent someone from taking over your account, even if they get hold of your one-time passcode. Until now it was a six-digit PIN, we’ve now upgraded it to a full password: longer, alphanumeric, and even with special ch@racters to make it harder to guess.”
Caller context for Android users
Finally, there's a boost for Android users. WhatsApp is now adding context when a call comes in from an unknown number. Android owners will now see things like whether the number is from a different country and if it is part of any groups already in chats.
“When you get a call from someone not saved in your contacts, a little context can help you decide whether to pick up,” WhatsApp added. “Scammers rely on urgency – now you can take a beat with some more info before answering.”
All of these upgrades are rolling out now.
