The True Post (Web News) — WhatsApp has announced a series of new security features aimed at strengthening account protection and helping users defend against unauthorized access, suspicious activity and potential hacking attempts.
According to WhatsApp, the new security measures will provide users with stronger and more modern options for protecting their accounts. The company is also working to improve the use of two-step verification and passkeys.
Two-Step Verification Gets Stronger
One of the key changes focuses on strengthening two-step verification.
Currently, WhatsApp users can protect their accounts with a six-digit PIN. Under the new system, users will be able to use stronger passwords that can include letters, numbers and special characters.
The change is intended to encourage users to choose credentials that are harder for attackers to guess and provide an additional layer of account security.
Passwords Can Include Letters and Special Characters
The updated security system will allow users to move beyond the traditional six-digit PIN and create more complex passwords.
These passwords can include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, making them potentially more difficult to compromise than simple PINs.
Users should still avoid sharing their passwords or verification information with other people.
New Feature for Calls From Unknown Numbers
WhatsApp is also introducing additional information for calls received from unknown numbers.
When a call comes from a number that is not saved in a user’s contacts, WhatsApp may provide additional information about the caller.
This information could indicate whether the number is registered in another country and whether the caller shares a group with the recipient.
Feature Initially Available on Android
The additional information feature for unknown calls will initially be available to Android users.
The feature could help users make better decisions about whether to answer calls from unfamiliar numbers by providing basic context about the caller.
It may be particularly useful for people who regularly receive calls from unknown or international numbers.
WhatsApp Encourages Users to Use Passkeys
WhatsApp is also encouraging users to adopt passkeys as a modern account verification method.
A passkey allows users to authenticate their account using features such as a fingerprint, facial recognition or their device’s screen-lock code.
According to the company, passkeys can make account verification faster and more secure because users do not necessarily need to rely on SMS verification codes every time they regain access to their account.
More Than One Billion People Have Set Up Passkeys
WhatsApp says more than one billion people around the world have already set up passkeys for their accounts.
The growing adoption of passkeys highlights increasing interest in authentication methods that combine stronger security with convenience.
WhatsApp is now working to make the system more flexible for people who use multiple devices.
Multiple Passkeys for One Account
One of the new security improvements will allow users to add more than one passkey to their WhatsApp account.
This could be particularly useful for people who use multiple smartphones or devices.
For example, someone who uses both an Android phone and an iPhone or another supported device could benefit from having multiple authentication options linked to the same account.
Easier Access Across Multiple Devices
Many users today rely on multiple smartphones, tablets or devices running different operating systems.
The ability to use multiple passkeys could make account recovery and authentication easier for these users while reducing reliance on traditional verification codes and PINs.
The feature is designed to improve convenience without compromising account security.
Important Step Toward Better Account Security
WhatsApp’s latest security announcements come as protecting online accounts becomes increasingly important.
Stronger two-step verification, additional information about unknown callers and support for multiple passkeys could give users more tools to protect their accounts.
The changes also show WhatsApp’s focus on balancing security with ease of use as people increasingly access their accounts across multiple devices.
Users Should Still Follow Basic Security Practices
Despite the new security features, users should continue following basic online safety practices.
Users should never share their two-step verification password, passkey information or verification codes with strangers. They should also be cautious when responding to calls or messages from unknown numbers.
WhatsApp’s new security measures are designed to give users additional protection and greater control over their accounts. By strengthening two-step verification, providing more information about unknown callers and expanding passkey support, the platform is giving users more options to improve account security.
