WhatsApp has rolled out three new security features aimed at bolstering user account protection. These enhancements include a stronger two-step verification method, additional context for incoming calls from unknown numbers, and the capability to associate multiple passkeys with a single account.
The two-step verification process, which previously relied on a six-digit PIN, has been upgraded to support longer, alphanumeric passwords that can also incorporate special characters. This change is intended to make it more difficult for unauthorized parties to gain access to accounts.
For Android users, WhatsApp will now provide more information when a call is received from a number not saved in the user's contacts. Before the call is answered, the app will display details such as the country of origin for the unregistered number and whether the caller shares any common groups with the recipient. This aims to give users more time to assess the call's legitimacy before engaging, potentially helping to mitigate scam attempts.
Furthermore, WhatsApp has expanded its passkey functionality. While over a billion users have already adopted passkeys for login via fingerprint, Face ID, or screen lock, the platform now allows users to register multiple passkeys to the same account. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who use WhatsApp across different devices or operating systems, such as an Android phone and an iPhone, enabling seamless and secure access from various platforms. Users can manage their passkeys through the "Settings > Account > Passkeys" menu.
These latest security updates follow a series of recent enhancements to WhatsApp's security posture. In June, the platform introduced a warning screen that appears before users open a chat with an unfamiliar phone number, providing details like the country code and shared groups. In May, WhatsApp also launched "Incognito Chat," a feature designed to ensure privacy for conversations with Meta AI, preventing the platform itself from reading them. The company has affirmed its ongoing commitment to developing tools that empower users with greater control over their accounts and enhance overall security.
