WhatsApp has announced a new set of security enhancements aimed at strengthening account protection and making it easier for users to safeguard their accounts against increasingly sophisticated phishing and hacking attempts. The latest updates include stronger two step verification, support for multiple passkeys on a single account and additional context for calls received from unknown numbers. The Meta owned messaging platform said the new features are designed to improve account security while making advanced protections more accessible for everyday users across supported devices.
One of the most significant changes is the enhancement of WhatsApp two step verification system. Previously, the feature relied on a six digit PIN that provided an additional layer of protection if someone obtained a user’s one time verification code. With the latest update, users can now replace the numeric PIN with a longer alphanumeric password that can also include special characters, making it considerably more difficult to guess. WhatsApp also expanded its passkey support by allowing users to register more than one passkey for a single account. The company said this addition will be especially useful for people who regularly use both Android and iOS devices. Passkeys, which WhatsApp introduced in 2024, allow users to sign in using biometric authentication such as Face ID or a fingerprint instead of traditional passwords. Because passkeys eliminate the need for username and password combinations, they offer stronger protection against phishing attempts and make unauthorized remote access significantly more difficult, as an attacker would require physical access to the device storing the passkey.
The company is also improving transparency for incoming calls from unknown numbers on Android devices. Users will now receive additional information before answering a call, including whether the caller is contacting them from another country and whether they share any WhatsApp groups with that person. The feature is intended to help users make more informed decisions before interacting with unknown callers and reduce the likelihood of responding to suspicious communications. The latest updates come as messaging platforms including Signal and Telegram continue expanding their security capabilities to provide stronger account protection while simplifying the user experience. As phishing campaigns and account takeover attempts continue to evolve, messaging services have been introducing authentication technologies that reduce reliance on conventional passwords and verification methods.
The security enhancements build on a series of recent feature releases introduced by WhatsApp during the past few months. In late June, the platform launched usernames, allowing users to share their WhatsApp profiles without revealing their phone numbers. Earlier, in late May, Meta introduced a subscription plan for WhatsApp that unlocks additional features, including profile customization, super reactions and story insights. The WhatsApp Plus plan was introduced alongside similar subscription offerings for Instagram and Facebook, expanding Meta broader strategy of providing optional premium features while continuing to enhance privacy, security and user experience across its messaging ecosystem.
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