banner



WhatsApp just added key security feature — what you need to know

WhatsApp just added key security feature — what you need to know

WhatsApp desktop
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

WhatsApp has been getting a lot of flak for privacy-related reasons recently, with many users leaving the service for other encrypted messaging apps, simply a brand-new feature should assist secure your account if yous use WhatsApp Web.

Yesterday (Jan. 28), WhatsApp announced on its Facebook and Twitter feeds that it was adding biometric user authentication to its desktop applications and web interface, adding a new layer of security.

  • These are the best WhatsApp alternatives you tin can download right at present
  • How to apply WhatsApp: Tips, tricks, and more
  • Plus: Chromebooks but got a killer upgrade to take on Windows laptops

See more

Biometric security has been an optional characteristic on WhatsApp for some time at present (it's not on by default), but this is the first time that users have been able to secure the link betwixt their phones and WhatsApp's desktop app.

Information technology doesn't thing which method of biometric hallmark yous prefer, be information technology fingerprint, face, or Samsung's aging iris scanner. WhatsApp Web will support them all.

Judging from the instructions WhatsApp has posted on its blog, the process isn't that different from how you already fix WhatsApp Web. The steps are the same, but at present you're prompted to authenticate your identity by using your phone'south biometric login before the WhatsApp app on your phone can read the QR code on your desktop screen to activate the link.

Of course, you lot will need to set biometric authentication on your telephone showtime.

WhatsApp promises that the feature is already live, but it doesn't seem to be live for everyone all the same. We didn't get the prompt when testing the feature for ourselves, even later on we activated fingerprint lock in WhatsApp's settings. And then be patient while it rolls out to you.

Why this new WhatsApp characteristic matters

In the thou scheme of things this seems like a adequately small characteristic to add, particularly when we know video and phonation calls are coming to WhatsApp Web in the near future.

That said, there's no such affair as as well much security, and when yous're setting upwards a wireless link to see your private conversations on another device, you're going to want to make sure everything is locked up tight.

But we feel that more could exist done. WhatsApp Web stays logged in past default, significant anyone could go and access your conversations on your desktop machine — regardless of whether they have your telephone or not.

Information technology couldn't injure to verify users with their biometrics each time they open up a WhatsApp web tab, or at least requite them the option.

It'southward already likewise easy to hijack someone else's WhatsApp account if you lot can wait at their phone for simply a few seconds, as a security researcher demonstrated last twelvemonth and which scammers later carried out. (You tin can gear up an account Pin to prevent this, every bit detailed in the get-go link in this paragraph.)

In the meantime, if this still isn't plenty to continue your tethered to WhatsApp, be certain to check out the all-time WhatsApp alternatives for all your Facebook-costless communication needs.

Tom is the Tom'south Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be constitute knee deep in stats the latest and best electrical cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It'due south long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo U.k., when pretty much everything was on the table. He's normally found trying to squeeze another giant Lego gear up onto the shelf, draining very big cups of coffee, or lament that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/whatsapp-just-added-key-security-feature-what-you-need-to-know

Posted by: patrickbeciond.blogspot.com

0 Response to "WhatsApp just added key security feature — what you need to know"

Post a Comment

Iklan Atas Artikel

Iklan Tengah Artikel 1

Iklan Tengah Artikel 2

Iklan Bawah Artikel