WhatsApp rolls out stronger account security features: What users need to know

WhatsApp has reportedly announced that it is introducing new security features and updates to help users keep their accounts secure including enhanced account security and advanced login protection for their accounts.

The recent update comes as WhatsApp and other messaging applications such as Signal and Telegram streamline account security, making it accessible for everyday users especially as phishing and hacking attempts have become more advanced over the years.

How to use

WhatsApp’s two-step verification has used a six-digit PIN for two-factor authentication to protect accounts even if attackers are able to obtain the user’s one-time passcode.

Users have no option to choose a longer, alphanumeric password with special characters to make the PIN so difficult to guess.

Passkeys play a pivotal role in removing the need to rely on username and password combinations which are easily compromised by phishing attacks. Passkeys login makes it harder to remotely access your accounts.

Android users will now see more information when they are receiving a call from someone who is not in their contacts such as whether the number is from a different country. Nonetheless, users can now use phishing-resistant passkeys across iOS and Android with adding full passwords for two-step verification and more context for unknown Android calls.