Suara Sherif
WhatsApp has strengthened its account security system with tougher passwords, multiple passkeys and new information for users receiving calls from unknown numbers, as the messaging platform moves to combat account takeovers, impersonation and digital fraud.
The biggest change is the upgrade to two step verification, which now allows users to replace the traditional six digit PIN with a longer password containing letters, numbers and special characters.
WhatsApp says the additional layer is designed to protect accounts even when criminals obtain a user’s one-time registration code.
The platform is also expanding passkey protection, allowing users who operate both Android and iOS devices to add multiple passkeys to the same WhatsApp account.
On Android, users can also receive information about unknown callers, including whether the number is from another country or whether they share a WhatsApp group.
The move is particularly significant in Nigeria, where more than 157 million active GSM data subscriptions were recorded in May 2026.
As WhatsApp becomes increasingly important for communication, business and digital transactions, stronger account protection could help reduce the exposure of Nigerian users to fraud, impersonation and account hijacking.
