WhatsApp Will Now Allow Users To Block Phishing Attempts Without Opening Messages. Here's How It Works

WhatsApp has been proactively rolling out features like anonymous message silencing and user-reporting mechanisms to mitigate risks.

Meta, the Mark Zuckeberg-owned parent company of WhatsApp, has unveiled a new tool aimed at thwarting phishing attempts on its messaging platform, prioritising user security. The innovative feature enables WhatsApp users to promptly block suspicious contacts without having to open the message, a functionality previously unavailable. Complementing this, WhatsApp is actively engaging its user base in recognising phishing endeavours, emphasising indicators such as grammatical errors, requests for personal information, or urging users to click on dubious links.

Phishing and Smishing (phishing via SMS) tactics have surged in recent times, exploiting urgency to coax users into divulging sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

The ubiquity of WhatsApp, boasting over 2.78 billion users worldwide, renders it a prime target for cybercriminals. Consequently, WhatsApp has been proactively rolling out features like anonymous message silencing and user-reporting mechanisms to mitigate such risks.

In its latest update, WhatsApp streamlines the process of blocking unknown numbers, reducing it to a seamless action accessible directly from the lock screen. Users are presented with clear options to either add the sender to their contacts or block and report the number, accompanied by convenient access to safety tools.

This initiative by Meta addresses a crucial vulnerability inherent in WhatsApp's structure, where mere possession of a phone number grants messaging privileges. By empowering users with enhanced control, the platform takes a proactive stance in safeguarding its vast user base from potential threats.

WhatsApp To Get Third-Party Functionality

As the European Union's (EU) Digital Markets Act (DMA) deadline approaches, WhatsApp, under the ownership of Meta, is preparing to implement integration with various messaging networks within its platform, according to recent reports from the media. In a recent interview with Wired, Dick Brouwer, an engineering director at WhatsApp, disclosed plans for enabling interoperability on the app, extending its functionality to support third-party chat services. This strategic move is aimed at accommodating WhatsApp's vast user base, which currently exceeds two billion users.

The initiative follows earlier indications of such developments. In September 2023, WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, had identified a beta update hinting at WhatsApp's intention to support messaging across multiple platforms. This aligns with the requirements set forth by the DMA, necessitating platforms like WhatsApp to facilitate interoperability within the European region. Consequently, under this mandate, WhatsApp will be obliged to permit cross-platform messaging, enabling communication with users who may not have the app installed.