How to Identify Unknown WhatsApp Callers and Avoid Scams
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — Instant messaging platform WhatsApp has strengthened its users’ privacy defences. The Meta-owned app has officially introduced three new security features, which it says will provide extra protection and give users greater control over their accounts.
“On WhatsApp, your conversations are only between you and the people you’re chatting with. That is why we built end-to-end encryption by default, and continue to add new ways to keep your account safe and under your control,” WhatsApp said in an official statement.
Here are details of the three new security features WhatsApp has rolled out:
- Easier account access with passkeys
The first feature is Passkey. Users can now log back into their WhatsApp accounts more easily and securely using a fingerprint scanner, Face ID or their phone’s screen-lock code.
The method is said to make identity verification much faster, without the need to remember or wait for an SMS code or PIN. Each account can also register more than one passkey.
Android and iOS users can access the feature via Settings > Account > Passkey.
- Stronger two-step verification
The next security measure concerns two-step verification. WhatsApp has raised its security standards by moving beyond the conventional system based on a six-digit numerical PIN.
Instead, users can secure their accounts with a full-length password containing a combination of letters and numbers, and can add special characters to help prevent accounts from being forcibly compromised.
- A safeguard against mysterious calls from unknown numbers
The final feature provides more detailed information about accounts making calls. For Android users, WhatsApp will now display additional information when an unknown caller is not saved in their contacts.
This information includes the country of origin of the caller’s number and whether the caller and recipient are in the same WhatsApp group.
“Scammers rely on urgency. Now, you can take a moment to find out more before answering,” WhatsApp said.
With the launch of these new features, WhatsApp hopes to help users avoid cybercrime, hacking and the various forms of online fraud that are becoming increasingly widespread.