Those serious about security must be aware of the 2-step verification that online services like Google and Twitter have implemented long ago. WhatsApp, the infamous instant messaging service has now officially rolled out the much-needed Two-step verification functionality for their 1.2 billion users across iPhone, Android, and Windows Phone. WhatsApp was working on this crucial security feature for the past several months and was testing it in beta since November last year.
Two-step verification is an optional feature that adds more security to your account. When you have two-step verification enabled, any attempt to verify your phone number on WhatsApp must be accompanied by the six-digit passcode that you created using this feature.
To enable two-step verification on WhatsApp, open the app and go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable. Now enter a 6-digit passcode that you need to enter when registering your phone number with WhatsApp next time. Optionally, one can also add an email address that will come in handy to reset your WhatsApp passcode in case you forget it. However, WhatsApp says that it will periodically ask users to enter their passcode to help them remember it. That’s it!
It’s important to note that 2-step verification can be disabled and the email address can be changed without requiring a passcode if one has access to the WhatsApp app on your phone. But it shouldn’t be a problem in case someone tries to hack your WhatsApp account remotely.
The update is now being rolled out. Update WhatsApp now and don’t forget to enable Two-step verification right away!
