WhatsApp is rolling out a new security feature to its Android and iOS mobile apps that will block your IP address from being accessed by bad actors.
The situation the platform is addressing is a bit complex, so bear with us for a moment. “Most calling products”, according to WhatsApp, utilize a direct peer-to-peer connection between two people. This allows for “faster data transfer and better call quality”, but requires participating devices to know “each other’s IP address”, so data packets are sent back and forth to maintain connectivity. However, if a bad actor has the right technical expertise, they could intercept one of these packets, obtaining sensitive information about their target like their “broad geographical location or internet provider.”
