WhatsApp upgrades its two-step verification, letting users replace the six-digit PIN with a longer alphanumeric password, and adds support for multiple passkeys (Aisha Malik/TechCrunch)

WhatsApp has introduced new security features to help users protect their accounts. The app's two-step verification system has been upgraded, allowing users to replace the traditional six-digit PIN with a longer, alphanumeric password that can include special characters. This change aims to make it harder for others to guess the password.

In addition to the two-step verification upgrade, WhatsApp now supports multiple passkeys, which can be useful for users who access their accounts from different devices or operating systems. Passkeys are considered stronger than passwords and allow users to log in using biometric authentication, such as Face ID or fingerprint recognition.

For Android users, WhatsApp is also rolling out a new screen for calls from unknown numbers, which will display additional context, including the country of origin and whether the number is in any of the user's groups. According to 9to5Google, this new screen will provide more information to help users identify potential spam or unwanted calls.

Brief written by urgent.news from Techmeme, 9to5Google, TechCrunch, SecurityWeek — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.