WhatsApp introduces new security features

WhatsApp has rolled out new security features aimed at giving users greater control over their accounts and reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

The new measures include an upgraded two-step verification system, additional information for calls from unknown numbers and expanded support for passkeys.

The messaging platform said its two-step verification feature had been strengthened by moving beyond the traditional six-digit PIN to allow users to create longer passwords containing letters, numbers and special characters.

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According to WhatsApp, the additional layer of protection is designed to make it more difficult for unauthorised individuals to take control of an account, even if they obtain a user’s one-time verification code.

The company has also introduced more information for calls from unknown numbers.

It said Android users would now receive additional context about callers who are not saved in their contacts before deciding whether to answer.

The information may show whether the caller is using a number registered in another country or belongs to a WhatsApp group shared with the recipient.

WhatsApp said the security features were designed to help users assess unfamiliar calls and decide whether to answer them.

The company also announced that more than one billion people had adopted passkeys for their WhatsApp accounts.

Passkeys allow users to authenticate and recover access to their accounts using biometric methods, including fingerprints and facial recognition, or their device screen-lock code.

WhatsApp said users could now add multiple passkeys to a single account, which could be useful for people who use both Android and iOS devices.

Users can access the passkey option through Settings > Account > Passkeys.

The company said it would continue to develop security features to help users protect their accounts and private conversations.

WhatsApp added that end-to-end encryption remains enabled by default, meaning messages and calls are protected so that only the participants can access their content.