WHATSAPP is set to let people use their email addresses as an extra layer of protection for their accounts.
The new feature will help put a stop to a range of security risks, such as unauthorised attempts to move a WhatsApp account to another device.
This is a common way for WhatsApp accounts to be hijacked.
So the feature is expected to be a protection against the spread of malware on the platform.
WhatsApp users are often a target for hacking because the pool of users is so large – standing at around 2billion people.
Malware and phishing texts can spread like wildfire when a user’s account is taken over to send unwanted messages.
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The feature will also make sending security codes in the verification process will be easier.
It’s important to note that this feature will be optional, WABetaInfo first reported.
WhatsApp will ask for your email address in order to protect and verify your account.
The feature isn't the same as two-step authentication – which is when you have two login methods to verify your identity.
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But because the feature hasn't been officially rolled out yet, it's unclear what WhatsApp's intention behind it is.
While the feature is still under development, it should be coming to Android users soon.
For now, only beta testers can use it.
Can I become a beta tester?
If you're an Android user who's curious about becoming a beta tester, just follow these steps:
- Head over to the WhatsApp beta test page on the Google Play website.
- Log in to the Google account that you use on your Android device.
- If you've multiple account sign-in enabled, click your user icon in the top-right and choose the preferred one.
- Click the button that says “Become A Tester”
If you're an equally interested iPhone owner, then we have some sad new: WhatsApp's iOS beta test team is currently full.
But you can check back here to see if anything changes.
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