WhatsApp turns on two-factor authentication in betas

Two-step authentication is enabled by default on current test versions of WhatsApp for Android and Windows Phones. Users can create a passcode and must provide an email address to reset that code.

Two factor authentication is enabled in test version 2.16.341 of WhatsApp and later versions, Android Police found. The feature has been in beta for some time, but it used to be a hidden feature, just like it is with iOS today. With Windows Phones, the security measure is already implemented by default in the test version, reports WABetainfo.

The verification layer can be enabled in the account settings, after which a six-digit pass code can be created. When registering the telephone number with WhatsApp, the code must then be entered. To reset the passcode, users must provide an email address; the service can send the reset code here.

In order to use the functionality, users must participate in the WhatsApp test program.