WhatsApp is ramping up security with stronger 2FA and smarter call screening

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WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in the world, and rightfully so. In addition to offering an ever-growing list of capable features , the app has steadily become a safe and trustworthy place to chat, call, share files, and keep up with those close to you. Now, as the Meta-owned service continues to add new functionality to the app, it is also ensuring that security doesn’t get left too far behind.

WhatsApp is gaining two new account security features designed to prevent account hacking and to give you more context about incoming calls.

For starters, the app’s two-step verification is getting stronger. WhatsApp’s two-step verification is meant to add an additional layer of security on top of a one-time verification code. Up until now, this layer came in the form of a six-digit PIN that you got to set.

So, for example, a nosy coworker, or someone with brief access to your unlocked phone will be able to quickly access your messages to access WhatsApp’s one-time code. They could use this message to transfer your WhatsApp account over to their own phone. However, they would still need your six-digit two-step verification PIN to complete the transfer.

This was already a solid preventive measure to stop an attacker from taking over your account. However, WhatsApp is now going further. It is upgrading the six-digit PIN into a full-blown password: “longer, alphanumeric, and even with special ch@racters to make it harder to guess.”

In addition, the messaging app is also drawing inspiration from Caller ID apps like Truecaller. Caller ID apps give you additional context about unknown callers. WhatsApp is bringing that functionality right into the app.

The app will now show you additional information about callers who aren’t saved in your contacts list. The incoming call screen will highlight whether the number is from a different country and if you have any groups in common. The company specified that is an Android-only feature, at least for now.