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| WhatsApp makes web chats more secure with Code Verify |
Meta has announced Code Verify, a new open source browser extension for WhatsApp designed to improve the security of the web version of the platform.
The extension checks if the content of the WhatsApp web version has been tampered with. It aims to make it more difficult for potential attackers to compromise the confidentiality of end-to-end encrypted data or messages when using browser-based versions of the service.
The addition comes after the beta launch of WhatsApp across devices last year. This makes it easier for you to use messaging services from devices other than your main phone.
Since the feature was launched, the company has said that the number of people accessing its services via a web browser has increased, creating new security challenges for the app.
The code review compares the code hash running in the browser to that managed by Cloudflare.
However, its value lies in the automation of the process, which makes it more understandable and easy to use for everyone, regardless of their technical knowledge.
WhatsApp Web just got more secure
Once the scan is complete, the extension uses the traffic light system to notify you of any problems.
Green means no problem. However, orange indicates that you may need to refresh the page or that a separate browser extension is interfering with code validation.
Red indicates a problem. The help page states that the extension may be able to help users.
Meta means that the extension cannot read or access your messages and none of this data is sent to Cloudflare.
Meta has also released the source code for the Code Verify extension via GitHub, allowing other websites to take advantage of the security features.
The extension is available for Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome, and Meta says a Mozilla Firefox version is coming soon. The Apple Safari version was not mentioned in the Meta press release. But the GitHub page says support is ongoing.