WhatsApp finally released end-to-end encrypted backups feature
WhatsApp comes with end-to-end encryption for an excellent messaging app. The support began to be released to everyone in 2016, enabling users to have peace of mind that WhatsApp cannot intercept and read their messages from the encrypted end of the sender and can be removed until it reaches the recipient.
WhatsApp has been working on end-to-end backups for over a year now. The feature was released to beta testers earlier this year in July and is now finally being released on a stable channel.
Recently, WhatsApp announced that the last end-to-end encrypted backups feature has started coming out with the latest WhatsApp updates for iOS and Android. With this new feature, you will now be able to back up your chat backups with a unique password or 64-digit encryption key.
Read More: Facebook explains how WhatsApp end-to-end encrypted backups work
End-to-end encrypted backup on WhatsApp uses a completely new end-to-end encryption system that works across iOS and Android. The system encrypts chat backups with a unique, random key. You can save the key manually or by a password.
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If you choose to back up the password, you will get the option to access the Hardware-security-module-based Backup Key Vault to retrieve the encryption key and remove the backup encryption. The vault forces password verification attempts, and if you enter the wrong password a few times, make the key permanently inaccessible. This prevents violent attacks.
If you enter the correct password, Backup Key Vault confirms it. After confirmation, it sends the encryption key to the WhatsApp client. With the key in hand, the WhatsApp client can encrypt backups, giving you access to your conversations.
In case you are using a 64-digit encryption key, you will need to save it manually and enter the key to access your chat backup. In any case, WhatsApp or your backup service provider (Google Drive or iCloud) will be able to read your backups or access the key needed to unlock them.
To use end-to-end encrypted backups:
- Open WhatsApp settings.
- Navigate to Chats.
- Chat Backups.
- End-to-End Encrypted Backup.
- Tap on continue and follow the prompts to create a password or key.
Finally, tap done and wait for WhatsApp to prepare your end-to-end encrypted backup.
WhatsApp is releasing a new beta update for Android, which reveals that the company is developing a new feature that lets users search images on the web. The fresh beta update can be identified through version 2.24.21.31.
The Search images on the web feature of WhatsApp will allow users to check the authenticity of images they receive to make it easier to spot misleading or fake content.
When a user wants to search for an image, it will be uploaded to Google, which helps them find similar images or sources online to quickly get more information.
Notably, WhatsApp ensures privacy by not storing or processing these images. While the image is sent to Google for searching, it remains private and secure.
With this new feature, users will be able to use any image, whether sent by a friend or received in a forwarded message for search on the web to verify them online.
In addition to the image search, WhatsApp is also developing a feature to check links in frequently forwarded messages to verify their authenticity.
The image search feature is currently under development and will be available in a future update. Users can expect more information soon as WhatsApp continues to enhance its platform. Stay Tuned!
WhatsApp introduces call link feature to group and individual chats
WhatsApp for Android is rolling out a new beta update with version 2.24.21.29, which comes with a handy call link feature. This update makes it easier for users to start calls in both individual and group chats.
With this new feature, users can easily generate call links without needing to go to the Calls tab. The call link shortcut is now located in the chat attachment menu. Previously, creating call links was a bit complicated since users had to go to the Calls tab to generate them.
Now, to use the Call Links feature, simply tap the attachment icon while chatting. This makes starting a call faster and more convenient since you can do it right from your ongoing conversation.
Initially, the call link feature was only available for group chats, but now it works for individual chats as well. Many people might not have known they could create call links before, but this update makes it clear and easy to use.
This call link feature is currently available to some beta testers who have installed the latest version of WhatsApp from the Google Play Store. As the update continues to roll out, more users can expect to see this feature in the coming days.
Android users get iOS-like contact syncing feature with fresh WhatsApp Beta
WhatsApp has released a fresh update for beta users on Android with version 2.24.21.26. This update introduces a new feature that gives users more control over how their contacts are synced across different devices on WhatsApp.
The latest update allows users to add, edit, or delete contacts from any device linked to their WhatsApp account, such as tablets or computers. It means that any changes made on one device will automatically sync to all other connected devices. It helps contact list up-to-date no matter where you are.
For those who want to keep personal and work contacts separate, there’s an option to disable syncing for specific accounts. This lets users prevent certain contacts from showing up in their WhatsApp to maintain privacy.
Moreover, WhatsApp also adds extra security by using cryptographic hashes to protect the phone numbers of contacts who aren’t on the app. This ensures that user data remains safe while still allowing WhatsApp to monitor for any unusual activity related to contact uploads.
Users can still chat with their existing contacts as the app remains fully functional, even with contact syncing turned off. If someone switches to a new phone or reinstalls WhatsApp, their linked contacts will automatically be restored easily.
WhatsApp contact syncing feature was already available to iOS users, and now Android beta testers can enjoy the same benefit. As the update rolls out, more users will have the chance to try this privacy feature.