WhatsApp Offers Improved Security Features

WhatsApp is debuting several new security features to help end users better secure their accounts, including additional passkeys, stronger password options, and "call context," according to Bleeping Computer.

WhatsApp already supports passkeys, but will now allow users to create separate passkeys for each platform.

They are also allowing users to create alphanumeric passwords instead of six-digit PINs for two-factor authentication.

Additionally, for Android users, calls from non-contacts now display additional information about the caller, such as what country the caller is from and if they have any groups in common. In the article's screenshot, for example, the number states that the caller and the recipient have "2 groups in common, including Fall Soccer Parents."

WhatsApp is not one of our recommended messengers, however in many parts of the world it has become ubiquitous and a defacto standard, forcing many people to use it at least sometimes. With such a large userbase and many people relying on it for important communications, it's good to see Meta adding new ways for users to protect themselves.