The platform’s two-step verification is being upgraded to a full password [File]
| Photo Credit: REUTERS
WhatsApp announced that it was levelling up its security measures, as part of its effort to thwart scammers or hackers looking to fool users or take over their accounts.The instant messaging service owned by Meta noted that more than 1 billion people were using a passkey.This feature allows users to log back into WhatsApp with their fingerprint, face ID, or screen lock code, rather than relying on their codes or PINs.WhatsApp reported that more than one billion people had already set up passkeys, and that users could add more than one for their Android and iOS devices.Meanwhile, the platform’s two-step verification is being upgraded to a full password, with support for alphanumeric characters and special characters.Finally, Android users are set to see more context about callers who are not their contacts. Users can better understand where the number is calling from and whether or not there are common group between them. This is a strategy to combat scams, according to WhatsApp.“On WhatsApp, your conversations belong only to you and the people you’re talking to. It’s why we built end-to-end encryption by default, and it’s why we continue adding new ways to keep your account secure and in your hands,” stated WhatsApp in a blog post. Published - August 26, 2026 02:51 pm IST
