Important warning for WhatsApp users: A new era begins in account security
Meta is strengthening two-step verification on WhatsApp, introducing additional context for unknown calls and support for multiple passkeys.
12punto
Meta has announced new features aimed at increasing account security for WhatsApp. With this update package, two-step verification will be made more robust, users will be shown more information during calls from numbers not saved in their contacts, and support for passkeys will be expanded.
Two-step verification, which has long been used optionally on WhatsApp, has worked via a six-digit PIN code until now. With the new arrangement, this structure is being replaced by a stronger password system that can include letters, numbers, and special characters. This aims to create an additional layer of security against account takeover attempts.
One of the platform's innovations concerns unknown calls. When a call comes from a number not saved in the contacts, WhatsApp will provide additional context about the caller. Users will be able to see whether the number belongs to another country and whether they share a common WhatsApp group with the caller.
This feature aims to simplify the decision-making process, especially for users who want to distinguish suspicious or unwanted calls. By showing more information before the call is answered, the application will allow users to make more informed choices about whether to accept, reject, or respond to the call with a message.
Meta also stated that the use of passkeys on WhatsApp is becoming widespread. According to the company's statement, more than one billion users have completed their passkey configuration. Passkey technology allows for identity verification using methods such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or device screen locks instead of traditional codes.
With the addition of multi-passkey support to the platform in this new era, users are expected to have more flexible options regarding account access and security management. Meta's latest move is a continuation of the updates WhatsApp has made to user experience and security in recent months.