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WhatsApp rolls out new security features to combat account takeovers
Meta has announced several security updates for WhatsApp aimed at preventing account takeovers and reducing fraud. A major change involves the two-step verification system, which is upgrading from a simple six-digit PIN to a full alphanumeric password. This new password can include letters, numbers, and special characters, making it significantly harder for attackers to guess or brute-force.
Additionally, WhatsApp is expanding its support for passkeys, a phishing-resistant login method using biometrics like Face ID or fingerprints. More than one billion users already utilize passkeys, and the update now allows users to register multiple passkeys to a single account, facilitating easier access across different devices such as Android and iOS.
For Android users, the app is introducing enhanced caller context for unknown numbers. When receiving a call from a contact not in the user's address book, WhatsApp will display additional information, such as whether the caller is from a different country or if there are shared chat groups. This feature is designed to help users evaluate potential scams before answering.
Entities
Android · Android · Ios · Meta · Signal · Telegram · WhatsApp · iOS
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Android and iOS users can now add multiple passkeys to a single WhatsApp account. cybernoz.com · thenextweb.com · www.ceotech.it · courage-lounge.de · www.blog-nouvelles-technologies.fr
- [● 2 SOURCES] WhatsApp users on Android can now see additional information about incoming calls from unknown numbers, such as the country of origin. www.telefonino.net
- [● 11 SOURCES] More than one billion people have configured a passkey on WhatsApp. www.telefonino.net · bitnewsbot.com · www.jawapos.com · www.log.com.tr · www.tecnobreak.com · +5 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] WhatsApp is replacing the six-digit PIN for two-step verification with full alphanumeric passwords that support special characters. www.telefonino.net · bitnewsbot.com · www.jawapos.com · www.aajtak.in · android-mt.ouest-france.fr · +5 more
- [● 9 SOURCES] Users can now associate multiple Passkeys with a single WhatsApp account. hipertextual.com · bitnewsbot.com · www.jawapos.com · www.log.com.tr · www.tecnobreak.com · +4 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] WhatsApp now allows users to use full passwords instead of just six-digit PINs for two-step verification. android-mt.ouest-france.fr · www.tecnobreak.com · www.enter.co · hipertextual.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cybercriminals are using the 'unknown group' tactic to add users to groups with foreign prefixes to promote fraudulent investment or job offers. www.que.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Kaspersky study shows a gap in digital literacy in Latin America regarding the identification of fake news.
- [● 3 SOURCES] More than one billion users have configured Passkeys on WhatsApp. www.tecnobreak.com · www.enter.co · hipertextual.com
- [● 10 SOURCES] WhatsApp is introducing features for Android users to identify unknown callers by showing their country and shared groups. android-mt.ouest-france.fr · www.tecnobreak.com · www.frandroid.com · hipertextual.com · bitnewsbot.com · +5 more