Today WhatsApp has announced some more security features to protect users from hackers, scams and unauthorized access. Messaging platform already using end-to-end encryption by default. But account security is a different part of the experience that needs additional protection.
WhatsApp is adding new improvement features to make its two‑step verification stronger. WhatsApp will give users details about calls from unknown numbers and WhatsApp will also broaden support for passkeys. These changes are meant to make account protection stronger while keeping the process simple, for users.
Two-Step Verification Gets a Stronger Password
Two-step verification has been an important security feature on WhatsApp for years. It adds an additional layer of protection that can help stop someone from taking control of an account, even if they manage to obtain the user’s one-time verification code.
Previously, WhatsApp used a six-digit PIN for two-step verification. The company is now upgrading this protection by allowing users to create a full password.
The new password can be:
- Longer than the previous six-digit PIN
- Made using letters and numbers
- Combined with special characters
- More difficult for attackers to guess
This is a meaningful improvement because a longer and more complex password can provide stronger protection against guessing attempts.
Users should still choose a password that is difficult for other people to predict. Avoiding common words, names, birthdays and easily recognizable combinations can make the additional security layer more effective.
Why Two-Step Verification Matters
Your WhatsApp account is connected to your phone number, which makes account takeover attempts particularly concerning. If someone gets access to a verification code, they may try to register the account on another device.
Two-step verification creates another barrier. Even if an attacker gets the one-time code, they would still need the additional password to complete the takeover process.
The stronger password option gives users a better way to protect this second layer.
More Information Before Answering Unknown Calls
WhatsApp is also making calls from people outside your contacts more informative, at least initially on Android.
When an unknown person calls you, the app will provide additional context about the caller. This can include information such as whether the phone number is associated with a different country and whether you have groups in common with the caller.
This may seem like a small change, but it can be useful when deciding whether an unexpected call deserves an answer.
Unknown calls are often used in scams where the caller tries to create urgency. A message or call might claim that something needs immediate attention, encouraging the recipient to respond before thinking carefully.
By showing more information before the call is answered, WhatsApp gives users a chance to pause and consider whether the call is legitimate.
Why Caller Context Can Help
A phone number from another country does not automatically mean that a call is dangerous. People communicate internationally all the time, and legitimate contacts may use numbers from countries different from yours.
However, additional context can help users identify situations that seem unusual.
For example, if an unknown number is calling from another country and you have no shared groups or obvious connection with the person, you may decide not to answer. The goal is not to label every unfamiliar caller as a scammer, but to give users more information before they make a decision.
This is particularly useful for people who receive frequent spam or suspicious calls.
More Than 1 Billion People Are Using Passkeys
Another major security development is the growing use of passkeys on WhatsApp.
According to WhatsApp, more than 1 billion people have already set up a passkey. Passkeys provide an alternative to traditional verification methods by allowing users to authenticate using the security features already built into their device.
Depending on the phone, this can include:
- Fingerprint authentication
- Face ID or another face-based biometric method
- Screen lock code
With a passkey, users don’t need to rely on receiving and entering a verification code every time they need to confirm their identity.
Multiple Passkeys for Android and iOS
WhatsApp is also making passkeys more flexible for people who use multiple devices.
Users can now add more than one passkey to their WhatsApp account if they use both Android and iOS devices. This can make account access more convenient while maintaining strong authentication.
Having multiple passkeys can be useful for people who switch between devices or maintain both Android and Apple hardware.
Instead of depending on a single authentication method, users can have the appropriate passkey available on their devices.
How to Set Up a WhatsApp Passkey
Setting up a passkey is straightforward if the feature is available on your account and device.
To get started:
- Open WhatsApp.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Account.
- Tap Passkeys.
- Follow the instructions shown on the screen to create a passkey.
Once configured, the passkey can be used to verify your identity through the authentication method supported by your device.
Because passkeys use the device’s existing security system, users don’t need to create and remember another traditional password for this process.
WhatsApp Is Taking a Multi-Layered Approach to Security
These new features show that WhatsApp is approaching account security from several different directions.
Two-step verification protects against account takeover attempts by adding another authentication layer. The move from a six-digit PIN to a full password gives users a stronger option.
Caller context focuses on preventing social engineering and scam attempts. Instead of simply showing an unfamiliar number, WhatsApp can provide additional information that helps users make a more informed decision.
Passkeys offer a modern way to verify identity without depending on traditional codes and PINs.
Together, these features create multiple barriers against different types of threats.
End-to-End Encryption Is Still at the Core
WhatsApp continues to emphasize that personal conversations are protected by end-to-end encryption by default. This means conversations are designed so that messages can be read only by the people involved in the conversation.
However, message encryption and account security are not exactly the same thing.
End-to-end encryption protects the content of conversations, while features such as two-step verification and passkeys help protect access to the account itself.
That distinction is important. Even with strong message encryption, users should still take steps to make sure nobody else can gain control of their account.
What Users Should Do Now
If you use WhatsApp regularly, there are a few simple steps worth taking.
First, enable two-step verification and choose a strong password if the upgraded option is available to you. A password that you don’t reuse elsewhere is a better choice.
Second, consider setting up a passkey. It can make account verification both easier and more secure, particularly if your phone supports biometric authentication.
Finally, be careful with unexpected calls and messages. New security features can provide useful information, but they work best when users still take a moment to assess suspicious activity.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s latest account security improvements are focused on making protection stronger without adding unnecessary complexity. The upgrade to a full password for two-step verification is perhaps the most important change, giving users a more powerful alternative to the old six-digit PIN.
The additional information shown for unknown callers can also help people make smarter decisions before answering unexpected calls, while the growing adoption of passkeys shows that passwordless authentication is becoming a major part of WhatsApp security.
With more than 1 billion people already using passkeys, WhatsApp is clearly moving toward authentication methods that are faster and harder for attackers to misuse. For users, enabling these features is one of the simplest ways to add another layer of protection to their WhatsApp account.
Via: (Source)
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