WhatsApp adds additional security layer to link account to computers
WhatsApp security: An additional layer of security has been added by WhatsApp for millions of people who access and link their WhatsApp accounts from mobile phones to their PCs and laptops.
Also Read | Amid severe criticism, WhatsApp delays new privacy policy by 3 months
According to the new update, in order to link WhatsApp Web or Desktop to your WhatsApp account, you will now be asked to use your face or fingerprint unlock on your phone, before scanning a QR code from the phone to link your device.
The new security update for linking devices will be rolling out, alongside a visual redesign to the WhatsApp Web page on phones, to users with compatible devices over the coming weeks.
The company said, "We're putting even more security into WhatsApp Web and desktop, adding an additional layer of protection when you want to link your WhatsApp account to your computer,"
Adding that this move will limit the chance that a housemate or office colleague can link devices to your WhatsApp account without you.
"This builds on our existing security measures today, which pop up a notice in your phone whenever a Web/Desktop login occurs, and the ability to unlink devices from your phone at any time," the company mentioned.
WhatsApp said the face and fingerprint authentication takes place on your device in a privacy preserving manner—by design.
"WhatsApp cannot access the biometric information stored by your device's operating system".
This move has been introduced at a time when WhatsApp is facing immense backlash in India over its upcoming privacy policy.
In mid-January, it was found that WhatsApp on Desktop (Web) application was allegedly exposing personal mobile numbers via indexing on Google Search.
Also Read | WhatsApp’s privacy policy updated; accept terms of services or lose account
Concerned at private group chat links being available on Google Search, WhatsApp had earlier said that it asked Google not to index such chats and advised users not to share group chat links on publicly accessible websites.
The indexed WhatsApp group chat links have now been removed from Google.
-PTC News
