Popular instant messaging platform WhatsApp could get an extra layer of security in the near future. As several reports now suggest that the IM could soon get updated with a six-digit passcode protection feature. And given the onslaught of security breaches off-late, WhatsApp is possibly trying to give users an added layer of security.
Initially spotted by Android Authority, the feature was discovered by a team of text translators trying to convert WhatsApp strings into other languages. And during the process, translators were presented with a message which said, “Enter the current six-digit passcode.” After several failed attempts, it further said, “Passwords do not match.” Finally, after some attempts, they came across a message saying “Enter a recovery email address.”
Now the recovery email message pretty much makes it clear what changes we might see shortly. As users can essentially lock themselves completely out of their WhatsApp account if they fail to enter the correct passcode in the required number of attempts. Though at this point, we’re not sure if the recovery email message feature would be mandatory or optional.
But we expect that WhatsApp won’t force it upon its users out of the blue. For now, it appears that WhatsApp is certainly exploring additional security options, to keep conversations on its platform completely under wraps and away from prying eyes, which is indeed promising news.
End-to-end encryption on WhatsApp
Facebook-owned WhatsApp is witness to constant security updates and new features. Earlier this year, the instant messaging app got updated with end-to-end encryption. The feature essentially means that only the sender and the recipient will be able to view the content shared. That time, the company’s co-founders Jan Koum and Brian Action said that messages exchanged via WhatsApp can’t be viewed by hackers or government spy agencies.
The company has been stressing on new and stronger security measures to provide a safe platform for users to communicate with each other. That said, it still facing the backlash from the government and international security agencies, who believe that the company should at least, offer transcripts of messages in an encrypted to them on demand.
