WhatsApp Security Made Layered

VIVA – Instant messaging application WhatsApp plans to add new functions to use the platform on Mac, Windows, and Web desktops this year. The Facebook subsidiary wants to make the performance of WhatsApp Web and desktop equal to smartphone applications.

“Thus, the privacy of users’ communications is maintained, including security on any device they choose to send messages to,” said the official WhatsApp statement, Thursday, January 28, 2021.

Read: Black Clouds Still Hovering Over WhatsApp

Now, WhatsApp has strengthened the security features of web and desktop applications by adding a layer of security when users want to sync their WhatsApp account from their smartphone to their computer.

This Facebook subsidiary uses a smartphone operating system (OS) that supports facial or fingerprint authentication features. When users want to sync their account with WhatsApp web or desktop, they will be asked to perform biometric authentication on the smartphone before being asked to scan the QR code.

An update to the security system between devices will be released along with a new visual design for WhatsApp web. This update will be available in the coming weeks, or at least iOS 14 for iPhone and a number of compatible Android devices.

“This additional layered security will minimize the possibility of a user’s friends or co-workers to sync accounts to other devices without their knowledge,” WhatsApp said.

In addition, this feature is also presented to strengthen existing security features, namely displaying notifications when someone is logged in on WhatsApp web and desktop, as well as settings to exit all devices in the smartphone application that can be used at any time.

Face and fingerprint authentication performed on the user’s device is automatically protected by a privacy security system. WhatsApp claims it won’t be able to access biometric information stored on the user’s smartphone operating system.

As is well known, WhatsApp is still a byword for announcing to users about its latest privacy policy. But keep in mind, users don’t just worry about WhatsApp. They also need to pay extra attention to Facebook Messenger.

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