A WhatsApp spokesperson told Engadget that Account Protect, the new feature aimed at preventing SIM jacking, will only activate if the company detects a suspicious registration attempt. Users who don’t have access to their old device can request a second one-time passcode to confirm their identity.
But the new measures don’t stop there. WhatsApp is also introducing new background checks aimed at detecting malware and better protecting users if their account is ever compromised. The verification features are automatic and don’t require any user interaction, but the company says they will make accounts more secure.
