25 August,2026 07:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
WhatsApp is also improving its two-step verification system, an official blog stated. File Pic
WhatsApp on Tuesday announced a range of new security features aimed at protecting users from account takeovers, impersonation and financial scams.
The update, announced through an official blog, comes as fraudsters increasingly use messaging and social media platforms to target individuals, including public figures and senior officials.
A WhatsApp blog stated that more than one billion users have now adopted passkeys, strengthening account protection without relying on traditional SMS verification codes.
Passkeys use security features already built into a device, including facial recognition, fingerprints or a screen-lock passcode.
Users with more than one mobile device can also register passkeys across iOS and Android through WhatsApp's account settings.
The system is designed to make it harder for criminals to gain access to accounts by stealing or intercepting verification codes.
WhatsApp is also improving its two-step verification system.
Users can now create longer, alphanumeric passwords that can include special characters, instead of relying only on a six-digit numerical PIN.
The additional layer of protection is intended to reduce the risk of account takeovers, even if a criminal manages to obtain a user's primary one-time password or verification code.
Users are encouraged to enable two-step verification and avoid sharing verification codes or passwords with anyone.
WhatsApp is introducing additional information for calls from unsaved numbers on Android devices, the blog stated.
It further said that when an unknown person calls, users may see details such as the caller's country code and whether they share any WhatsApp groups.
The additional context is intended to help users judge whether an incoming call is genuine before answering or responding to requests.
This could be particularly useful in cases where scammers create a sense of urgency and ask victims to transfer money or provide personal information.
Security features can reduce the risk of fraud, but users still need to be cautious when receiving unexpected messages and calls.
The announcement follows a recent incident involving Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, whose WhatsApp account was reportedly used in an impersonation scam.
Bhide had confirmed on social media on Saturday afternoon that her WhatsApp account had been temporarily compromised.
Senior officials later said the incident appeared to be an impersonation scam in which fraudsters used her photograph to approach contacts and request money, rather than a direct compromise of her phone.
Bhide later stated that access to her WhatsApp account had been restored.
