WhatsApp has introduced a new security feature designed to protect users from scams and unauthorised access by alerting them when someone attempts to link their account to an unfamiliar device.
The messaging platform said the new linked device alerts will notify users if their WhatsApp account is being connected to a device they do not recognise, helping them identify potential fraud attempts before access is granted.
The feature comes as account takeover scams continue to rise, with cybercriminals increasingly using social engineering tactics to trick users into approving device connections or sharing verification codes.
Under the new system, users will receive an alert when an attempt is made to link their WhatsApp account to a new device. The notification will warn that the activity could be a scam and prompt users to review the request.
WhatsApp advised users who are not actively trying to use the service on a new device to reject the request by selecting “Don’t link.” Related News El-rufai arrives Kaduna High Court to face ICPC charges Africa's biggest solar mini-grid operator secures IFC backing for Nigeria, Congo push Nigeria unveils unified PPP model to tackle $2.3tr infrastructure gap
