Despite revealing that it would be sharing more user data with parent company Facebook last year, WhatsApp is still one of the more secure messaging services out there, thanks to its end-to-end encryption. Now, the service is getting a new optional security feature that users should take advantage of.
WhatsApp has started to roll out two-step verification to everyone, the company announced. The feature has been available in a beta version since November, but it's now appearing to all 1.2 billion users on Android, iOS, and Windows devices.
Like other services that use two-step verification, the process adds an extra layer of security. Once it's enabled, no one will be able to verify your phone number without the six-digit number that's created when activating the feature.
In case you're the forgetful type, there's also the option to provide an email address. Should you find yourself unable to recall the number, WhatsApp can send you a link via email to disable the two-step verification.
To help you remember your code, WhatsApp will ask you to enter it when you log into the app once every seven days. If you want to turn the feature on right now, you can do so by heading to Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable and activating it - though you may need to update the app first.
WhatsApp is a bit late to the party when it comes to fully implementing two-step verification. It's been available in other services, including Facebook-owned Instagram, for some time.