Maintaining security when browsing the Internet or using applications is essential. But it is even more so when we use programs or services that are very popular, since hackers often aim to do just that. WhatsApp is one of those applications that can be affected, but with the latest news it will be more protected than ever. We will explain what this change consists of and how it affects you.
WhatsApp will ask for a second code
When we transfer WhatsApp to another phone, for example if we have bought a new mobile, we have to verify that we are really the legitimate user. This is so to prevent someone from supplanting our identity and being able to use the number in another terminal. Now this popular messaging app is going to make that even more secure by asking for a second code .
This security feature comes at the same time that WhatsApp starts to be compatible with more devices . It will provide that plus of confidence to prevent an intruder from using our number and registering it with another device. This double verification will make it more difficult for an attacker to impersonate us.
Therefore, beyond the security code that we are used to when we want to register WhatsApp on another device, now it will ask for a second code. Although this feature means that the process is somewhat slower and we have to fill in more data, it will undoubtedly make our WhatsApp account more protected and nobody uses it.
Feature in development
Keep in mind that this is a feature under development at the moment. It is expected to arrive soon, but there is no specific date yet. It is expected that it will first reach iPhone devices and, later, for Android devices.
As soon as it is available to everyone, it will be much more difficult for them to steal your identity . It will be more complicated to access the code to verify the account since it will use a double verification. It is one more measure that joins the many that WhatsApp has taken into account in recent times to improve the privacy and security of users.
This feature prevents an intruder, even getting the verification code that arrives by SMS, from being able to take over the account. You’re going to need that second code. Also, a significant point, which some may not like, is that we are going to have to wait a while to receive that second code. That’s going to make it harder for the attacker to get both. Now, it will also mean extra time when we want to use WhatsApp on another device. Once again, the balance between speed or ease and having the devices protected.
The normal thing is that this second code arrives by another SMS but also adds a message warning that someone may be trying to steal the WhatsApp account. If an attacker is using some social engineering strategy to get hold of those codes, such as requesting it from the victim saying that there is a problem with his account, he would already be alerted and would know that he does not have to share that second code he has received with anyone. .
What do you think of this WhatsApp news? Do you think it is useful to protect WhatsApp from attacks? It is certainly one more step to make it more difficult for cybercriminals looking to steal the account.