WhatsApp continues to dominate global communication in 2025, with more than 2.95 billion monthly active users worldwide. Over 100 million of them are in the United States, while India leads with 535.8 million active users. Every single day, people send more than 150 million messages and over 7 billion voice notes through the app. That kind of scale makes WhatsApp both powerful and vulnerable. As hackers grow more sophisticated—using fake links, malicious browser extensions, and social engineering tactics—WhatsApp has doubled down on privacy and protection. The 2025 security updates focus on smarter, simpler defenses that safeguard users without adding friction. Here’s a closer look at how these features strengthen your safety and what’s new this year.

TL;DR

WhatsApp’s privacy system includes end-to-end encryption, two-step verification, device/session controls, disappearing messages, encrypted backups, chat locks, and spam blocking. In 2025, WhatsApp added passkey login, biometric-based backup protection, and a beta “Strict Security Mode.” Turn these on and review your linked devices often to stay safe.

WhatsApp’s Built-In Privacy and Security Features

1. End-to-End Encryption

All personal and group messages, calls, and media shared on WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted. Only you and your recipient can read or hear them. The encryption keys remain on your devices, never on WhatsApp’s servers.
Over 100 billion encrypted messages are exchanged daily, showing how vital this feature is to protecting global communication.

2. Two-Step Verification

Two-step verification adds a six-digit PIN that’s required whenever someone tries to register your number on another device. It blocks account takeovers caused by SIM-swap or cloning attacks.
To enable it: Settings › Account › Two-Step Verification.
For a full walkthrough, read:
WhatsApp Two-Step Verification: Complete Setup and Best Practices

3. Device & Session Controls (WhatsApp Web / Multi-Device)

Whenever you connect WhatsApp Web or link an extra device, you must scan a QR code from your main phone. This ensures that only you can authorize new logins.
You can review or log out of sessions under Settings › Linked Devices.
Check them regularly, especially if you’ve used WhatsApp Web on public or work computers.

See also:
131 Malicious Chrome Extensions Targeting WhatsApp Users

4. Account Change & Security Alerts

WhatsApp notifies you if your account is being registered on another phone or if your contact’s security code changes. These alerts help you confirm identity and stop unauthorized activity early.

5. Disappearing Messages & View-Once Media

Disappearing messages can delete automatically after 24 hours, 7 days, or 90 days.
“View Once” photos and videos vanish after being opened.
These limit how long sensitive data remains visible, reducing your digital footprint.

6. Screenshot Blocking for View-Once Media

WhatsApp now prevents screenshots and screen recordings for View Once media, giving users extra protection when sending private content.

7. Encrypted Cloud Backups

You can encrypt WhatsApp backups stored in Google Drive or iCloud with a password or a 64-digit key. Without it, no one—including WhatsApp—can restore your data.
It’s a small step that prevents years of chat history from being exposed in a cloud breach.

8. Chat Lock & Biometric Unlock

Lock individual chats or the entire app with fingerprint, face ID, or PIN.
This prevents anyone who accesses your phone from opening WhatsApp or reading private messages.

9. Spam Detection & Silencing Unknown Callers

WhatsApp automatically detects spam and lets you silence or block calls from numbers not saved in your contacts.
Many fraud attempts start with fake calls or links. Ignoring unknown numbers and reporting suspicious messages stops most attacks before they escalate.

WhatsApp’s Latest Security Updates in 2025

WhatsApp released several security improvements this year that make privacy management easier and more automatic.

Patched Vulnerabilities

Two major issues were fixed in 2025:

• A zero-click exploit affecting iOS and macOS versions that could let attackers inject code through link previews.
• A file-spoofing flaw on Windows that allowed malicious attachments to disguise themselves as safe files.
  Both were fully patched, emphasizing why users should always update WhatsApp as soon as a new version is available.

Whatsapp New Security Features for 2025

• Passkey-based Login: Instead of typing a password, you can now use your device’s biometric authentication (fingerprint or face ID) to log in securely.
• Biometric Backup Encryption: Backups can now be locked with your phone’s biometrics, making recovery safer and simpler.
• Strict Security Mode (Beta): A single switch that enables multiple protections at once: blocking media from unknown contacts, disabling link previews, and silencing unsaved callers.
• Advanced Chat Privacy: You can now lock specific chats, hide online status, restrict message export, and disable automatic media downloads from unknown numbers.

Compatibility Updates

WhatsApp is gradually dropping support for older devices that can’t handle its latest encryption and passkey systems. Keeping your OS updated ensures you continue to receive security patches.

Why These Updates Matter

These changes show WhatsApp’s focus on device-level security and user control.
Cyberattacks are shifting from broad scams to targeted spyware and zero-click exploits. By introducing passkeys and one-tap high-security modes, WhatsApp reduces the risk that users forget key protections or reuse weak passwords.

What You Should Do Now

1. Update WhatsApp and your OS to the latest version.
2. Enable two-step verification and passkey login if available.
3. Encrypt your backups and store your password/key safely.
4. Review linked devices and remove any you don’t recognize.
5. Enable Strict Security Mode when it rolls out publicly.
6. Avoid public computers for WhatsApp Web logins.
   These steps ensure your privacy tools actually work when you need them most.

To Sum Up

WhatsApp’s 2025 security upgrades — from encryption and two-step verification to biometric locks and passkey logins — build a strong defense against hackers. But real safety goes beyond features. Stay alert, avoid suspicious links, and keep your app and device updated. Security works best when both technology and users do their part.

FAQs

Q1: Are WhatsApp’s new passkey features available to everyone yet?
Not yet. They’re rolling out region by region for Android and iOS devices through 2025.

Q2: Can my WhatsApp be hacked even if I have two-step verification enabled?
It’s unlikely, but still possible if your device itself is compromised or you fall for a phishing link.

Q3: What happens if I forget my encrypted backup password?
You won’t be able to restore your chats. There’s no recovery mechanism, so store it somewhere secure offline.

Q4: How often should I review my linked devices?
At least once a month and after using WhatsApp Web on any shared device.

Related WhatsApp Articles on The Review Hive

• How To Secure WhatsApp From Hackers (iPhone & Android)
• WhatsApp Image Scam: A New Way Hackers Steal Your Data
• 131 Malicious Chrome Extensions Targeting WhatsApp Users
• WhatsApp Two-Step Verification: Complete Setup and Best Practices