WhatsApp has announced new security features aimed at helping users keep their accounts secure, including stronger two-step verification and the ability to add more than one passkey. The Meta-owned app is also adding context to calls from unknown numbers.
Previously, two-step verification relied on a six-digit PIN. Now users can choose a longer, alphanumeric password with special characters, making it harder to guess. The change comes as messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram look to make account security easier and more accessible, especially as phishing and hacking attempts have become more sophisticated.
For passkeys, which WhatsApp launched support for in 2024, users can now add more than one to their account. WhatsApp says this will be useful for people who use both iOS and Android. Passkeys allow users to log in using Face ID or a fingerprint and are considered stronger than passwords because they are less susceptible to phishing.
Additionally, Android users will now see more information when receiving a call from someone not in their contacts, such as whether the number is from a different country and if they have any groups in common with the caller.