Facebook explains how WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups work
On September 10, 2021, WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups for Android and iOS devices is officially announced. This feature allows you to further strengthen and protect the privacy of message backups. The Facebook-owned WhatsApp has provided end-to-end encrypted messages for a while now, although that additional security has not been used for backups in the past.
It also does not apply to the media and relies on encryption services provided by a cloud provider that backs up the service. Those cloud providers can explain them and if there is a need that has arisen, and to know privacy, that is obviously very small.
The company has begun testing hidden end-to-end backups in the beta version of WhatsApp, and now, before its extensive release, Facebook has explained exactly how those encrypted backups work.
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How WhatsApp’s end-to-end encrypted backups work
Facebook says it has launched a completely new end-to-end encryption system that works on both iOS and Android. Backups are encrypted with a unique, random key, and the key can be saved manually or by a password.
If the user wants to keep your password, they can access the Hardware-security-module-based Backup Key Vault to retrieve their encryption key and delete the backup.
This vault is responsible for enforcing password verification attempts and providing the key to permanent access after many unsuccessful attempts to recover it. This prevents power attacks, and WhatsApp will never know the key.
Storing keys in the Backup Key Vault
WhatsApp uses an earlier service called ChatD, which manages customer communication and customer authentication. It will apply a protocol that sends backup keys to and from WhatsApp servers, as well as the client and key vault exchange encrypted messages.
Backups are performed as a continuous stream of encrypted data – e.g., the encryption key can be used to decrypt it. Once encrypted, backups can be stored anywhere outside the site, including Google Drive or iCloud.
Facebook says to help address the number of users who rely on WhatsApp, the main vault service will be distributed geographically across all data centers once completed. Facebook also released two graphics that show how end-encryption works when you use a key to delete your backup, or when you use a user password to clear your encryption.
Here’s the encryption and decryption process when using a password
If the account owner uses a password to access their backup, then it will work via the following process to retrieve the key from the key vault.
- They enter their password, which is encrypted and then verified by the Backup Key Vault.
- Once the password is verified, the Backup Key Vault will send the encryption key back to the WhatsApp client.
- With the key in hand, the WhatsApp client can then decrypt the backups.
If the 64-bit key alone is what’s being used, then the user will need to manually save and enter the key themselves.
WhatsApp for Android is rolling out a new beta update, which enhances user interaction with status updates by developing a new reaction notification feature. Users can identify the new beta update through version 2.24.9.29 on Android devices.
Previously, WhatsApp had been working on a quick reaction feature. The latest beta version goes a step further by providing an option to turn off notifications for ‘Like reactions.’ This means users can choose not to be notified every time someone reacts to their status, which could be particularly useful for those who receive many reactions.
This feature is beneficial as it allows users to reduce disruptions by preventing their notification panel from being cluttered with WhatsApp reaction notifications. But for those who prefer to view reactions at their convenience, this update will allow them to do so without the constant alerts.
Moreover, WhatsApp aims to enhance users’ control over their notifications and let them decide how they want to engage with status updates. This update is still under development, so stay tuned more details will be shared as they become available.
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WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called Chat Filters to enhance the user experience. This feature simplifies the process of navigating through messages, making it quick and effortless. With the increasing volume of messages on WhatsApp, the ability to quickly access them is important.
The Chat Filters feature of WhatsApp helps users organize their chats better and focus on the most pressing conversations. The rollout of these filters has begun and will be available to all users in the upcoming weeks.
By tapping on these filters at the top of the chat list, users can sort their messages with ease. It offers three convenient options:
All: This filter shows every message or we can say a default view of all
Unread: This filter highlights conversations that require attention, displaying both marked unread and new messages.
Groups: It contains all group conversations, including Community subgroups, in one place. This filter is much-anticipated addition for organizing all group chats.
With the introduction of the Chat Filters feature, WhatsApp aims to improve functionality and ensure users can focus on their most important messages.
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WhatsApp is enhancing user engagement with a new feature that prompts users to invite their contacts to join the messaging platform. This feature appears as a banner at the top of the chat list and is part of a targeted campaign to increase the app’s user base.
It is currently available to a select group of users who have installed the latest WhatsApp updates on iOS and Android devices. The banner aims to remind users to encourage their friends and family to use WhatsApp.
This approach is especially useful in countries where WhatsApp users are less, as it serves as a visible and convenient prompt for users to invite more people to the platform. By highlighting the advantages of new features and a unified chat experience, WhatsApp is looking to attract more users and maintain its position as a leading messaging service.
The feature is expected to be rolled out more widely in the coming weeks. This new move indicates that WhatsApp wants to keep users informed and connected, using the visibility of in-app notifications.
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