WhatsApp just introduced a major update to its
security settings and you should take advantage of it as soon as you
can.
The app is officially adding support for two-step
verification, which prevents someone else from activating your phone
number without a six-digit passcode.
The feature, which has been testing in beta since
November, is starting to roll out now to WhatsApp's iOS, Android and
Windows apps. Head over to Settings —> Account —>
Two-step verification —> Enable to activate it.
Once you do, the app will ask you to provide an
email and set a six-digit passcode. You don't have to provide your
email address, but if you don't, you will have a more difficult time
accessing your account should you forget your passcode (WhatsApp says
it will prompt you to enter your code "periodically" in
order to help you remember it.)
When set up, no one will be able to verify your
phone number without providing the passcode.
Importantly, two-step verification can be disabled
within the app without a passcode so your account could still be
compromised if your phone falls into the wrong hands. But the update
should help lock things down in case someone tries to hijack it from
afar.
Post a Comment