New Feature Could Bring Convenience but Also Cybersecurity Risks
WhatsApp is working on a new feature called Guest Chats that will allow people to message others who don’t even have a WhatsApp account. The idea is still being developed and hasn’t reached the testing stage yet, but experts say while it could make chatting easier, it may also open doors to new online risks.
According to WABetaInfo, a site that tracks WhatsApp updates, the feature will likely let users share a special link so non-users can join a chat. This update is expected to appear soon in a future Android beta version.
Cybersecurity specialists are already warning that this change could give attackers more ways to hide their identity. Haider Pasha, Chief Security Officer at Palo Alto Networks EMEA, said attackers might use the anonymity to trick people or spread harmful links. He explained that since guest users don’t need an account, it will be harder for people to know who they are really talking to, making trust more difficult.
Not everyone sees it as a huge threat. Ahmed Ashraf, Senior Security Consultant at Kaspersky, said guest chats will still rely on a verified WhatsApp user to create and send the link. That means Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, will have records of the sender’s account, which can be reported or blocked if misused. Still, he noted that how much information is visible in a guest chat — like a phone number or profile — will play a big role in whether people feel safe.
To stay protected, experts suggest taking extra precautions. Pasha recommends using two-factor authentication, avoiding unknown links, and never sharing personal details with strangers. If an account is hacked, reinstalling the app and getting a fresh verification code should be the first step. Ashraf advises users to tighten their privacy settings so only contacts can see things like profile pictures and status, and to report or block suspicious guests. He also suggested WhatsApp should add an option to end guest sessions whenever users want, much like unlinking a device.
This feature may make chatting more convenient, but until stronger safeguards are added, users will need to stay alert to keep their accounts and information safe.
Source: khaleejtimes.com
