Whatsapp now lets you block spam right from your lock screen
SUMMARY
- Phishing attempts on Whatsapp are a common problem, but a new feature allows users to block messages from unknown contacts directly from the lock screen.
- Whatsapp is a popular communication tool used by many people worldwide, making it easy for bad actors to contact users directly.
- The new feature on Whatsapp allows users to block suspicious messages and report the sender, saving the effort of having to open the app and chat.
Phishing attempts are an everyday occurrence because they are one of the easiest ways for bad actors to extort money or steal your personal data discreetly. These attempts show up as seemingly genuine communication from banks and other businesses, and while email services have matured enough to automatically detect and block most phishing attempts, the onus of detecting and dodging scam attempts remains on the user with most modern instant messaging apps. Whatsapp may not be ahead of the curve in its war on spam, but a new feature makes it easy to handle spam right on your lock screen.
Whatsapp is very popular in many parts of the world, serving as the primary instant messaging tool for everyday needs. Since accounts are linked to phone numbers, anyone with your number can contact you on the app, making it rather easy for bad actors to contact you directly. To its credit, Whatsapp displays cautionary alerts just underneath the sender’s contact information when you receive messages from unknown numbers. You’ll also see a prominent Block button beside the Add to contacts button for such chats, but you need to open the chat to tap the message, or at the very least, block the sender from your chat list.
Recently, Whatsapp messaged users through its o'cial handle, announcing a new feature where you can block messages from an unknown contact directly from the lock screen. In a quick video, the company explained that if a message has all the hallmarks of phishing attempts, Ponzi schemes, or other scams, you can expand the quick actions on your lock screen, and hit the Block option, just beside the Reply button.