WhatsApp has introduced new security measures designed to reduce account takeovers, including support for multiple passkeys and additional caller context, according to Tech Labari. The features are rolling out across both iOS and Android devices.
The messaging platform now allows users to register more than one passkey for their account, moving beyond the single-device sign-in method. Passkeys are a passwordless authentication standard that relies on cryptographic keys rather than traditional passwords, making them more resistant to phishing attempts. Tech Labari reports that this change strengthens the existing two-step verification process by giving users a more secure alternative to SMS-based codes.
In addition to the passkey expansion, WhatsApp is adding what it calls "caller context" to incoming calls. This feature is intended to give users more information about who is contacting them before they pick up, which can help identify potential spoofed or fraudulent numbers. The company has been under pressure to improve account security as scams and account takeover attempts have grown more sophisticated.
The update builds on earlier efforts by Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, to push passkey adoption. According to BusinessLine, more than one billion people now use passkeys across various platforms, signaling a broader industry shift away from passwords. The Hacker News noted that the new passkey support is specifically designed to be phishing-resistant, addressing a common weakness in older verification methods.
Users will need to enable the feature in their account settings and can manage multiple passkeys across different devices. The rollout appears to be gradual, with no exact timeline provided for when all users will see the new options.
What to watch next: whether WhatsApp extends caller context to video calls and how quickly users adopt passkeys over traditional SMS verification.
