WhatsApp announced a package of new security features for the accountwhich will add additional layers of privacy and security for users. This in order to stop the growing amount of malware, or malicious software, that tries to seize control of networks and mobile devices of Internet users in order to hack them and steal money or information.
This update has been rolled out for all WhatsApp accounts on Android and is in the process of rolling out for iOS users. This will serve as an additional and important tool at WhatsApp’s disposal to address the rare security challenges of key theft.
In this function, the application requests that if the user wants to use their same WhatsApp account on another device, they will ask for confirmation on the previous phone that this action will be carried out as an additional security control. This is so that the App can notify you in the event of an unauthorized attempt to transfer an account to another device.
device verification
This feature will require more verifications from users so that their accounts are more protected against hacks, since attackers can take control of the entire device and enter WhatsApp. This addition requires no additional action or steps from users and helps protect your account and increase security from the growing number of scams.
Automatic security codes
This can be done manually in the encryption tab under the contact information. Also, a function called “Key transparency” was implemented that allows to verify a secure connection automatically. This means that by clicking on the encryption tab, you can immediately verify that your personal conversation is secure.
They ask to use the official App to avoid hacking
From the application they released a statement sentencing the unofficial WhatsApp applications that pretend to be the Meta App and seek to hack users “What worries us the most is the popularity of unofficial WhatsApp clients that contain malware designed for this purpose. These unofficial apps put users’ security at risk, and that’s why we encourage all WhatsApp users to use the official app.”
“Once the malware is present on users’ devices, attackers can use the malware to capture the authentication key and use it to impersonate the victim to send spam, scams, phishing attempts, etc. to other victims. Device verification will help WhatsApp to identify these scenarios and protect the user’s account without interruption,” they added.
