WhatsApp has added new security features to keep users of the popular communication platform safe against potential scams and suspicious messages.
The platform already uses machine learning to detect and ban fraudulent accounts on a large scale but these new features have been added to firm up that protection.
The new features include user tools like context cards, easier ways to block and report suspicious messages, silencing unknown callers and restricting who can add you to groups.
One of the new features will highlight when someone who is not in your contacts add you to a new WhatsApp group.
Users will receive a notification showing information about the group and tips to stay safe.
At this point the users can exit the group without ever having to look at any of the chats.
But, even if you might recognise the group after seeing the safety overview, you can choose to investigate the chat to understand the context.
And regardless of this decision notifications from the group will be silenced until you indicate that you are staying in the group.
It’s a common method for scammers to initiate contact with a person via WhatsApp or initiate contact elsewhere and then ask to talk on WhatsApp.
The platform has launched a new protection against this ploy by giving users an alert before engaging with this person.
Now users will see a context card if a chat is instigated with someone who’s not in your contacts.
The context card will offer information about the country where the caller is located along with their number.
This will give users more time to pause and consider if they want to engage with this person.
Meta and WhatsApp’s security team has already detected and banned more than 6.8 million accounts linked to scam centres which are operating primarily in Southeast Asia.
Based on these insights, WhatsApp was able to detect and take down accounts before scam centres were able to operate them.
Here are WhatsApp’s tips on how to stay safe:
– Privacy checkup: Customize your privacy settings to control who can contact you,
who can see you online and add you to groups.
Two-step verification: Enable two-step verification to protect against account
takeovers.
Block and report: Use WhatsApp’s features to block and report suspicious
accounts.
Context cards: Read context cards carefully before replying to an unknown contact
or group.
Silence unknown callers: Turn it on to prevent call-based scams.
Use the official app: Ensure you’re using the official app to avoid fake versions
that may compromise your account.
