WhatsApp Adds Security Warning Before Users Start Chat With Unknown Numbers

[harlan4096]

WhatsApp has introduced a new proactive security feature that warns users before they start conversations with unknown phone numbers.

This update, currently being rolled out to both Android and iOS users, adds a trust verification layer at the very beginning of interactions, before a chat window is even opened. This marks a significant shift in the platform’s approach to scam prevention.

WhatsApp Adds Security Warning

According to WABetaInfo, the feature displays a security prompt when a user attempts to start a chat with a phone number that is not recognized or has not been used before.

This warning screen provides contextual information, including the country where the phone number is registered, whether the number is in the user’s contact list, and any shared group memberships.

Users then have two options: either proceed with the conversation or cancel the action entirely. Importantly, the recipient is not notified of the user’s decision, preserving user privacy.

This enhancement builds on WhatsApp’s existing anti-scam measures, such as its device-linking protection system, which alerts users to suspicious attempts to link their accounts to unauthorized devices.

However, unlike previous safeguards that activate after malicious activity has begun, this new feature aims to disrupt social engineering attacks at the initial stage.

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