Whatsapp adds biometric layer security for PC, laptop users
By MYBRANDBOOK
Whatsapp made an announcement that PCs, laptops will have to add an additional layer of security where users will be able to link their WhatsApp account on mobile phones to their computers.
In order to link WhatsApp Web or Desktop to WhatsApp account, users will now be asked to use their face or fingerprint unlock on their phone, before scanning a QR code from the phone to link the 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.
"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," the company said in a statement.
The move, said WhatsApp, will limit the chance that a housemate or office colleague can link devices to their WhatsApp account without them.
"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 noted.
WhatsApp said the face and fingerprint authentication takes place on a user's device in a privacy preserving manner -- by design.
"WhatsApp cannot access the biometric information stored by the user's device's operating system".
The move comes 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.
Independent cybersecurity researcher Rajshekhar Rajaharia had shared some screenshots showing indexing of personal mobile numbers of WhatsApp users via Web version on Google Search.
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.
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