The WABetaInfo site has spotted an upcoming WhatsApp novelty.

This concerns the security of user accounts.

WhatsApp will offer the activation and management of two-factor authentication via a PIN code.

And this on mobile devices, but also in the web and desktop applications of the messaging service.

Verify user identity

Currently, WhatsApp users can enable "two-step verification".

Also called "two-factor authentication" (2FA), this feature adds an additional level of security to an account to protect it in the event of a password hack, for example.

Once this verification mode is active, the user can log in to their account in two steps.

Concretely, he must first enter his personal password.

Then he will receive a temporary PIN verification code via SMS.

In addition to the password, this PIN represents the second authentication step.

Until now, this feature was only available within WhatsApp Google Android and Apple iOS smartphone apps.

But according to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp should introduce two-factor authentication in a future desktop and web version.

As for the smartphone version, it will now go through the use of a personal six-digit PIN code.

Efficiency to put into perspective

This will be an optional security feature.

Indeed, the screenshot shared by WABetaInfo shows that it will be easy to disable it and change the PIN code.

The user will also be able to define an emergency email address.

A useful emergency solution in the event of forgetting the PIN code or losing the telephone, for example.

Namely that, for the moment, the application only activates 2FA when activating a new smartphone or at irregular intervals when unlocking the application.

Thus, if third parties have access to a smartphone and the application does not ask for the 2FA PIN code when opening it, then the security mechanism may be disabled.

Indeed, the third party user will be able to modify the PIN code and the e-mail address of the account, without having to enter a code.

At the moment, the feature is in the development phase.

WhatsApp has not announced the official arrival of this function in the Web and desktop versions of its service.

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  • Cybersecurity

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  • Facebook

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