By Islamiyyah Adekanbi
WhatsApp has introduced new security features aimed at helping users prevent unauthorised access to their accounts, strengthen account recovery and make safer decisions when dealing with unknown callers.
The messaging platform said the latest upgrades were designed to give users greater control over their account security as scams and attempts to gain unauthorised access to digital accounts continue to pose concerns.
According to WhatsApp, the new measures include enhanced two-step verification, support for multiple passkeys and additional information about calls from people who are not saved in users’ contacts.
The company said the features complement existing protections, including end-to-end encryption, while making it easier for users to secure their accounts.
Under the enhanced two-step verification system, users can now create a full password instead of relying solely on the traditional six-digit PIN.
WhatsApp said the password could contain letters, numbers and special characters, providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorised access.
The company said: “We are giving people more ways to secure their accounts and more information to help them make informed decisions about who they interact with.”
WhatsApp is also expanding its passkey feature, which allows users to log back into their accounts using their fingerprint, Face ID or screen lock code instead of relying on a password or SMS code.
The platform said more than one billion people had already set up passkeys, adding that users with both Android and iOS devices could now add multiple passkeys to the same WhatsApp account.
It said the development would make it easier for people who use multiple devices to maintain secure access to their accounts without depending solely on SMS-based verification.
Beyond account protection, WhatsApp is providing users with more information about calls from unknown numbers on Android devices.
The additional context may show whether an incoming caller’s number is from another country and whether the caller shares any groups with the recipient.
WhatsApp said the information was intended to help users make better-informed decisions before answering unfamiliar calls, particularly as scammers may use unexpected calls and a sense of urgency to pressure potential victims.
“Unknown calls can sometimes be used to create a sense of urgency and pressure people into making quick decisions,” the company said.
“With more context available at the point of the call, people can better decide whether they want to answer, ignore or block the caller.”
The platform said the new features complemented existing tools that allow users to block and report suspicious accounts, as well as manage their privacy and security settings.
WhatsApp added that it would continue investing in security tools to help users protect their accounts and “keep control of their personal conversations and calls.”
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