Whatsapp has added support for Identity Proof Linked Storage (IPLS) in its latest update, which is great news for security-conscious users.
IPLS support allows your contacts to be linked to your account instead of your mobile phone, solving two of the biggest gripes with dealing with contacts on WhatsApp.
For starters, it makes it easier to switch devices without having to re-add your contacts. And because the database of your contacts is encrypted, you don’t have to worry about them falling into the wrong hands.
A new toggle switch will allow you to keep the contact in WhatsApp only or sync with your phone as well. Furthermore, you’ll be able to manage contacts by username you don’t need to share your phone number when messaging someone, adding another layer of security.
“Until now, the only place you were able to add contacts was from your mobile device, by either typing in a phone number or scanning a QR code. Soon, you’ll be able to add and manage contacts from the comfort of your keyboard on WhatsApp Web and Windows – and eventually other linked devices.” said WhatsApp in a blog post.
If you would like to know more about how IPLS works, we refer you to Bleeping Computer, which has a detailed review.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication M3 and was translated and adapted from Swedish.
