WhatsApp has added an optional “two-step verification” feature which makes it much more difficult for people to gain unauthorised access into your messaging account.

Without two-step verification, all someone needs to verify a WhatsApp account linked to your phone number — and view all the message within it — is your phone number and temporary access to your phone. (“One-step verification” works by sending a code via text message to the phone number you enter)

But if you activate two-step verification, they will now need to enter a passcode too.

Here’s how it to set it up (you will need to update your WhatsApp app first):

Settings > Account > Two-step verification > Enable

It will prompt you to enter your email address, this is optional, but if you don’t add it you will be locked out of your account if you forget your passcode.

This article was first published on Business Insider