Previously, users who activated the end-to-end encryption feature for backups were required to set a password or save a 64-digit key to secure their data, which was difficult for many. Now, WhatsApp takes advantage of the security systems in the phone itself, whether it is a fingerprint, “Face ID”, or screen lock, to encrypt and restore backups easily and safely.
When this new option is activated, WhatsApp automatically links the backup to your device’s security data, so that the screen lock or fingerprint becomes the key that encrypts and decrypts the data.
When switching to a new phone or reinstalling the application, you will not need to search for the old password, but simply unlock your phone in the usual way to recover your conversations, photos, and audio files in seconds.
Despite this ease, backups remain fully protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning that neither WhatsApp nor cloud storage services such as “Google Drive” or “iCloud” can access the content of the messages.
This new feature represents a perfect blend of security and ease, providing advanced protection without any additional hassle for the user. The application is expected to gradually roll it out to its users around the world in the coming weeks, through the settings in the “Chats” section and then “Encrypted Backup”. (Al Youm Al Sabea)
