WhatsApp introduce three new security features; details here
New Delhi: WhatsApp has unveiled three new security features aimed at improving the privacy and security of its users. The new functionalities extend the app's focus on keeping online chats and discussions as private and safe as in-person conversations, with a particular emphasis on message security, including end-to-end encryption.
According to a blog post published by WhatsApp on Thursday, the new security features will be rolled out on both Android and iOS devices in the coming months. The first feature, called "Account Protection", sends an alert to users when someone may be attempting to gain access to their account without their knowledge.
The second feature, called "Device Verification", runs in the background to ensure that users cannot install malware to access people's messages. WhatsApp is particularly concerned about unauthorised WhatsApp applications that include spyware specifically designed for this purpose. The company has introduced new checks to assist in authenticating user accounts without requiring any action from users.
The third feature is "Automatic Security Codes", which builds on an existing service that allows users to verify that they are communicating with the person they think they are. The tool assesses if the connection is safe and performs the verification process automatically by default, with the option to view the code manually still available.
WhatsApp is also introducing a new concept called "Key Transparency" to make it easier for users to confirm the authenticity of the code, although it is currently possible to view the code by going to a user's profile. The security features have already been rolled out on Android, with iOS users set to receive the update in the coming months.
Overall, the new security features aim to enhance the app's security and make it more secure for users, particularly as the messaging platform continues to attract over 2 billion monthly active users.
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London, Nov 22: A bomb disposal squad deployed as a “precaution” to the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport concluded an investigation into a "security incident" on Friday after making a “suspect package” safe.
The South Terminal of Gatwick Airport, the UK's second busiest airport after Heathrow, which was briefly shut owing to the incident reopened following the incident.
The Gatwick is around 45 km south of London.
Two people detained during the enquiries have since been allowed to continue their journey as the airport was opened.
“Police have concluded their investigation into a report of a suspect package at Gatwick Airport. Officers from the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team made the package safe, and the airport has been handed back to its operator,” Sussex Police said in an updated statement.
“Two people detained while enquiries were ongoing have subsequently been allowed to continue their journeys. There will remain an increased police presence in the area to assist with passengers accessing the South Terminal for onward travel,” the statement added.
Earlier on Friday, the incident caused severe disruption at the busy airport’s South Terminal, while the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport remained unaffected.
“Police were called to the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport at 8.20 am on Friday (November 22) following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage,” a Sussex Police statement said.
“To ensure the safety of the public, staff and other airport users, a security cordon has been put in place whilst the matter is dealt with. As a precaution, an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is being deployed to the airport. This is causing significant disruption and some roads around the South Terminal have been closed. We’d advise the public to avoid the area where possible,” it said.
Footage on social media taken outside the airport showed crowds of frustrated travellers being moved away from the terminal building.
Gatwick said it was working hard to resolve the issue.
“A large part of the South Terminal has been evacuated as a precaution while we continue to investigate a security incident," the airport said in a social media post.
“Passengers will not be able to enter the South Terminal while this is ongoing. The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our top priority. We are working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
Train and bus services that serve the airport were also impacted while the police carried out their inquiries.
In an unrelated incident in south London on Friday morning, the US Embassy area in Nine Elms by the River Thames was the scene of a controlled explosion by Scotland Yard dealing with what they believe may have been a “hoax device”.
“We can confirm the 'loud bang' reported in the area a short time ago was a controlled explosion carried out by officers,” the Metropolitan Police said in a post on X.
“Initial indications are that the item was a hoax device. An investigation will now follow. Some cordons will remain in place for the time being but the majority of the police response will now be stood down,” it added.
