Security News > 2023 > April > WhatsApp boosts defense against account takeover via malware
WhatsApp announced today the introduction of several new security features, one of them dubbed "Device Verification" and designed to provide better protection against account takeover attacks.
Device Verification prevents malware from using authentication keys stolen from infected mobile devices or via unofficial clients to impersonate accounts and use them to send scam and phishing messages to people in the targeted users' contact lists.
"Mobile device malware is one of the biggest threats to people's privacy and security today because it can take advantage of your phone without your permission and use your WhatsApp to send unwanted messages," WhatsApp said.
"To help prevent this, we have added checks to help authenticate your account - with no action needed from you - and better protect you if your device is compromised. This lets you continue using WhatsApp uninterrupted."
WhatsApp announced two more security features designed to notify users when their accounts are being moved to other devices and to automatically verify security codes to confirm secure connections to the server.
"Account Protect" will act as a double check or extra security check for when WhatsApp accounts are being linked to new devices and will alert you in the event of unauthorized account transfer attempts.