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WhatsApp Adds End-to-End Encryption Feature

whatsapp update for update

Encryption is the latest buzzword in the cyber world and WhatsApp is the latest to join this bandwagon. Taking a leaf from Apple’s dispute with government, it has added an end-to-end encryption feature across all platform—voice calls, videos and chats.

WhatsApp co-founder Jan Koum declared this on his Facebook page. The company was working on this feature for the last two year.  Koum wrote, “We’ve been working for the past two years to give people better security over their conversations on WhatsApp… People deserve security.”

WhatsApp end to end encryption

This can be verified by users as they can see that their communications are encrypted. It makes their users confident about their privacy. This is to be noted that WhatsApp will not allow unencrypted messages to be sent.

It also means that data can be read only by the sender and receiver and not by any third party. Even WhatsApp employees could not see their information. However, there will be still a few kind of data will remain unencrypted such as date and time stamp. Doesn’t this sound great?

The feature will be enabled in WhatsApp by default, but it will need to have the latest version of the app. It will be active all the time.

The client exchange message can be protected by a message key with the help of AES256 in CBC mode for encryption and HMAC-SHA256 for authentication. It will also encrypt even attached large files.

Another advantage is that users can verify whether the encryption feature is working well. They just need to tap on verify and they will be directed on a page with QR code.

It’s a great move by WhatsApp to entrust its users regarding the privacy and protection of data. It will turn them in their more trusted and loyal users.

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