Major security upgrade for WhatsApp: Say goodbye to hackers and scam calls...

WhatsApp Security Features: WhatsApp is introducing three new security features aimed at making user accounts more secure and helping people identify potential scam calls. The Meta-owned messaging platform announced that over a billion users now secure their accounts using passkeys, highlighting the growing adoption of passwordless authentication. Alongside this milestone, the company has upgraded its two-step verification system and launched a feature on Android that provides additional information about callers (caller context) for unknown numbers.

Over a billion users now use passkeys.

Passkeys have become one of WhatsApp's most important security features. They eliminate the need for users to enter a password or wait for an SMS verification code. Instead, users can sign in using their phone's fingerprint scanner, Face ID, or screen lock.

According to WhatsApp, more than a billion people have already enabled passkeys, making this one of the largest rollouts of passwordless authentication on any messaging platform.

Furthermore, the company has enhanced the feature by allowing users to register multiple passkeys for a single account. This is particularly beneficial for users who switch between Android and iPhone devices, as they can now securely access WhatsApp on either platform without relying on one-time verification codes.

Users can enable this feature by navigating to Settings > Account > Passkeys.

Major upgrade to two-step verification

WhatsApp is also strengthening its two-step verification system. Previously, users could only secure their accounts with a six-digit PIN. Now, the company offers the option to set a full password.

These new passwords can include letters, numbers, and special characters, making them significantly harder to guess than a simple six-digit code. This added layer of security helps protect the account even if someone manages to obtain the user's one-time verification code. Additionally, WhatsApp is encouraging users who still rely on weak PINs to adopt strong passwords, thereby enhancing the security of their accounts.

**More information about unknown callers**

To protect users from scam calls, WhatsApp is introducing a new feature for Android devices that provides details about the caller.

When a call is received from a number not saved in the user's contacts, WhatsApp will display additional information before the call is answered. This includes details such as whether the caller is from another country and whether the user and the caller share a common WhatsApp group.

The purpose of this additional information is to help users determine the legitimacy of a call before answering it. Since scammers often use unfamiliar numbers and create a sense of urgency, these extra details can help people easily identify suspicious calls.

**Strengthening WhatsApp account security**

Recent announcements indicate that WhatsApp is continuously focusing on enhancing account security and user privacy. While conversations are already secured via end-to-end encryption, features such as Passkeys, robust password-based two-step verification, and improved caller information provide multiple layers of protection against account hacking and scam attempts.

These new features are being rolled out to users worldwide. This reinforces WhatsApp's commitment to making its messaging platform more secure without compromising on convenience.

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