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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Visakhapatnam (PTI): India fought back gallantly through Prasidh Krishna and Kuldeep Yadav after Quinton de Kock struck his 23rd hundred, keeping South Africa to a manageable 270 in the third and series-deciding final ODI, here Saturday.
India won the toss after judging the spin of the coin incorrectly 20 times in a row. They had little hesitation in inserting the Proteas into bat, a clear indication of dew factor dominating the thought.
After Arshdeep Singh sent back Ryan Rickelton early, De Kock (106, 89b, 8x4, 6x4) struck his seventh century against India and put on 113 runs off 124 balls with skipper Temba Bavuma (48, 67b) as the visitors moved to a healthy position.
De Kock was severe on Prasidh (4/66), who erred on length continuously in his first spell (2-0-27-0). The left-hander biffed the pacer for 6, 6, 4 in his second over to milk 18 runs.
The 32-year-old quickly pounced on anything that was short, and pacers Prasidh and Harshit offered him plenty of feed on his pet areas.
Bavuma was more sedate, and made runs through those typical dabs and jabs, occasionally unfurling a drive of elan.
De Kock moved to fifty in 42 balls, and never let the tempo down reaching his hundred in 79 balls.
India found temporary relief when Ravindra Jadeja induced a false slash from Bavuma to get caught by Virat Kohli at point.
The tourists got another move on through a 54-run partnership between De Kock and Matthew Breetzkle for the third wicket, and at 168 for two in 28 overs they were in a good position to press on.
But Breetzke's punishment of part-time spinner Tilak Varma forced a rethink in the Indian camp, as skipper KL Rahul brought back Prasidh for a second spell.
What a masterstroke it turned out to be! The Karnataka man broke the back of South Africa’s top and middle order in an exceptional second spell (4-0-11-3).
Breetzke was the first man to go, trapped plumb in front with a straight one and four balls later Aiden Markram uppishly chipped a fuller delivery to Kohli at short covers.
Prasidh soon castled De Kock, whose ugly cross-batted swipe failed to connect a full length delivery from the pacer.
All of a sudden, SA found themselves at a shaky 199 for five, losing three wickets in the space of three overs.
Once Prasidh was done away with the top and middle-order, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep (4/41) took over and mopped up the tail as SA fell short of even a par total on this track.
