WhatsApp’s new features aim to keep you safe from hackers, scams: Here’s how – Times of India

WhatsApp, an instant messaging app owned by Facebook parent Meta, boasts the privacy and security of the platform. It offers features such as end-to-end encryption, two-step verification and biometric protection, among others. The company has now announced three new security features aimed at providing extra layers of privacy and more control over messages.
WhatsApp has announced Account Protect, Device Verification and Automatic Security Codes. The additional security features will be added in the coming months.
“These are three additional ways we’re helping secure your account. We hope people enjoy the increased security these features offer, and we look forward to announcing more updates soon,” the company said.
WhatsApp Account Protect
There are times when users want to shift their WhatsApp account to a new smartphone. From now on, WhatsApp will ask users on their old devices to verify that they want to take this step as an extra security check. This feature will alert users in case there is an unauthorised attempt to move their account to another device.

For example, if you work as a reviewer or you have purchased a new phone and you are now moving your data to a new device, you may be asked to verify your authenticity before you can transfer your account to the new phone.
WhatsApp Device Verification
At a time when mobile device malware is becoming one of the biggest threats to people’s privacy and security, WhatsApp is moving ahead to put checks to help prevent hackers from taking advantage of users’ phones and using their WhatsApp to send unwanted messages
WhatsApp said that it has added checks to help authenticate users’ accounts – with no action needed from their side. These checks are aimed at better protecting users if their devices are compromised.

WhatsApp Automatic Security Codes
Currently, users can manually check the security code verification by tapping the contact and accessing the “Encryption” tab under a contact’s info. This feature helps users ensure that they are chatting with the intended recipient.
WhatsApp is also rolling out a new security feature based on a process called “Key Transparency” that will automatically verify that they have a secure connection. What it means for users is that when they click on the encryption tab, they will be able to quickly verify that their personal conversation is secured.

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