CALIFORNIA: WhatsApp is developing a new function that will enhance the user experience of status viewing.
WABetaInfo reports that the messaging platform is conducting tests for a new feature that will display status updates in the top application bar. The top bar is the section where users can see their profile icon. Users will gain direct access to status updates through this modification.
The report states that the new feature will display status updates from users most frequently contacted by the user at the upper section of the chat tab. This means users will not need to leave the chat screen to check status updates.
WhatsApp is conducting tests of a second interface design along with its top bar testing. The chat tab allows users to scroll down and view contacts’ status updates which appear in a horizontal row that resembles the former status tab design. However, status updates from hidden contacts will not be shown.
The company is currently experimenting with different ways to provide quicker access to status updates. The feature remains in development and has not reached even beta users.
The timeframe for the global release of the new feature to all users remains unknown.
Fraudsters targeting WhatsApp accounts in Pakistan: National CERT raises alarm
Earlier, a huge rise in cyberattacks against WhatsApp accounts has been seen in Pakistan, which has led the National Emergency Response Team (National CERT) to issue a warning all over the country.
National CERT claims that criminals are taking control of people’s WhatsApp accounts by making fake calls, sending fraudulent links, using one-time passwords (OTPs), or scanning QR codes. The group also specified that common users are not the only ones impacted by these attacks; business and office WhatsApp accounts are now at high risk because of it.
Cyber attackers are deceiving users by acting out WhatsApp support staff, telecom company workers, or even acquaintances of the user to gain access to their sensitive data. After taking control of an account, the criminals perform various illegal activities by using the impersonated person’s identity such as sending deceitful messages or even extorting money from the person’s contacts.
One of the things pointed out in the National CERT alert was that sudden logouts, unusual devices linked, and unrequested OTPs are clear indicators such that the account might have been hacked.
National CERT has requested WhatsApp users not to share their verification code, PIN, or QR code with anyone. The team also suggested turning on the two-step verification process and linking an email for recovery so as to increase account security.
Users who have been affected are recommended to do an immediate uninstall of WhatsApp followed by a reinstallation, then re-verification of their phone number, and finally, reporting any suspicious activity to the police or other respective authorities.
The National CERT website is available for users who want to know more about how to secure their WhatsApp accounts.
