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| Code Verify's extension, makes WhatsApp web-chat more secured. | Image: Meta |
Meta, WhatsApp parent company has released a browser extension to improve the security of the web-based chat app. This comes to light, after the development team from WhatsApp launched a synchronized multi-device support for its WhatsApp beta app.
The browser extension basically works by verifying the contents of the WhatsApp web-app to ensure that the security of the app remains intact and has not been hacked or modified by external sources, such as hackers. If the app version proves to be untampered with, the extension will display green, meaning the app is secured and your chats are safe. Orange could mean either of two scenarios, the first being problems arising from browser extensions interfering with Code Verify, the second being, a need to refresh your page. Red means there is a technical issue. Thankfully, there's a WhatsApp help page to aid you in fixing the hitch. This entire colour-coded status reporting system, is based on Code Verify's backbone security structure. The great thing about it is it's automation process, because it encourages a seamless chatting experience.
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| A schematic presentation of the authentication steps of Code Verify browser extension. | Image: Meta |
Code Verify's addon prevents a compromise of WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption, by comparing the web-app hash code with the hash code, uploaded to a safe third-party Cloudflare.
Since WhatsApp introduced its web app, it says there has been an increasing trend of users loging into its web-based app. The WhatsApp development group ultimately saw a need to make the web app, to be as highly secured as a native phone app. This we now understand to be Code Verify WhatsApp browser extention.
Meta highlights that the extension is unable to read or access your messages, also all your data remains with you in your device and is isolated from cloudflare.
The source code has since been released by Meta, and is now availabe at GitHub.
The extension is now available to Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. Other major browsers, Meta says, will get subsequent releases and updates.