WhatsApp is testing a new feature called "Block Messages from Unknown Accounts," aimed at protecting users from spam and scams. Currently available only to beta users, this feature automatically blocks messages from unknown numbers, helping to safeguard users from potential cyber threats.
In recent weeks, cyber experts have noted an increase in WhatsApp-based scams, prompting the platform to introduce this update. The feature is expected to work similarly to the existing "Block Unknown Callers" option, automatically filtering out messages from unknown contacts. However, there's a twist: once a "certain limit" is reached, users will not be able to send messages to unknown contacts. The exact details of this limit are yet to be disclosed.
This update comes in response to rising concerns about the MaurisBot malware, which targets Android WhatsApp users through fake traffic challan messages. Clicking on the links in these messages automatically installs harmful apps. Reports indicate that hackers from Vietnam are using MaurisBot on a large scale, making this new WhatsApp feature a timely and crucial addition for user safety.
