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For several years, WhatsApp has offered a two-step verification security feature for added protection for any account. Now, the popular messaging platform may upgrade this feature by replacing the existing numeric PIN with a dedicated account password. This new account security method will likely provide all WhatsApp users with better account protection.

WhatsApp may replace PIN verification with a password

According to a report by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing a new version of its two-step verification system that will replace the current six-digit PIN with a password. Like traditional passwords, this new verification method will contain both letters and numbers, adding an extra layer of security, especially for users who conduct financial transactions and share confidential data through the messaging platform.

This move will make it more difficult for fraudsters or cyber attackers to guess or crack any account's security measures. Early beta strings shared in the report also suggest that WhatsApp will check if the chosen password is strong enough before allowing users to save it. Like the existing PIN, passwords will work with WhatsApp's existing login process. Users will still need to verify their phone number using an SMS verification code before they are asked to enter the password they created to access their account.

However, since two-step verification is an optional feature, the upcoming password authentication method will likely remain a non-essential feature. Therefore, users who don't want to enable two-step verification won't be affected by this change. This feature is reportedly in the early stages of development, and it's not yet confirmed when the company will roll it out to all users. It's also possible that WhatsApp may change it or even cancel the public rollout of the password verification system.

PC: Moneycontrol