Some new WhatsApp security measures are coming, including a new way to hide your IP address! WhatsApp has long been regarded as one of the most, if not the most, secure messaging platforms. WhatsApp is taking it a step further by regularly introducing new security updates. Among its latest security features is a mitigation process against audio call cyberattacks.
The WhatsApp Wall
In case you did not know, cyber attackers can glean information from your device through calls you ignore. That is scary if you think about it, right? With that said, let us proceed to the first item on the list – IP masking. WhatsApp uses encryption to protect user data and personal information. However, it also needs internet connectivity. Your IP address, which is the unique identification number from your provider, is another identifying element.
As per WhatsApp:
“Most calling products people use today have peer-to-peer connections between participants. This direct connection allows for faster data transfers and better call quality, but it also means that participants need to know each other’s IP addresses so that call data packets can be delivered to the correct device – meaning that the IP addresses are visible to both callers on a 1:1 call. IP addresses may contain information that some of our most privacy-conscious users are mindful of, such as broad geographical location or internet provider.”
While shared information is not as identifiable, it still presents some security risks. To address this, WhatsApp came up with a new process that reroutes your calls through their servers. As a result, your calls receive the benefits of WhatsApp encryption, making your IP address invisible.
“This provides an additional layer of privacy and security particularly geared towards our most privacy-conscious users. As always, your calls are end-to-end encrypted, so even if a call is relayed through WhatsApp servers, WhatsApp cannot listen to your calls.”
If anything, it adds another layer of security, which could be appealing to people in vulnerable situations. Interestingly, X is also experimenting with something similar for its new audio call option. Furthermore, WhatsApp will add a new way to address audio call cyberattacks.
WhatsApp notes that calling software used by attackers automatically processes incoming caller packets. That allows actors with ill intent to optimize call setup and improve their fishy performance.
“This means calling vulnerabilities can often lead to “zero-click” attacks; the victim may not need to even accept the call for the attack to succeed.”
Basically, there is a level of information that goes back and forth during a call, which, in certain scenarios, can be a security issue. To address this, WhatsApp came up with a new approach that uses “Privacy Tokens.” The app uses privacy tokens to determine the trust level of each user call.
The Wrap
WhatsApp’s new token system can better identify and filter callers, helping users avoid scams and spammers. These new WhatsApp security measures are good and will only help provide more assurance to your private, in-app interactions. Security has been one of WhatsApp’s key selling points, which is why users opt-in to it to begin with. WhatsApp realizes its strengths and continues to build on them, which is something that all platforms should aim for.
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