Why Unibeam is Safer Than WhatsApp Authentication
Many organizations consider WhatsApp for authentication, but it comes with serious security and regulatory risks. Here’s why relying on WhatsApp for authentication is not a good idea—especially for financial institutions—and how Unibeam provides a secure alternative.
1. Regulatory and Data Sovereignty Concerns
WhatsApp is owned by a U.S.-based company (Meta), meaning authentication messages may pass through U.S.-controlled servers. For banks financial institutions around the world, this raises a crucial question: Do regulators and financial institutions want to depend on external parties to secure their digital economy? Compliance with local data protection laws and maintaining control over sensitive customer data should be a top priority.
2. Multi-Device Vulnerability
When an OTP is sent via WhatsApp, it appears on every device where the user has WhatsApp installed. This includes personal smartphones, work devices, and even shared family tablets. Imagine a child’s tablet receiving a banking OTP—hardly a secure environment for financial authentication.
3. Malware and OS-Level Attacks
WhatsApp, like any other app, runs on mobile operating systems that can be compromised. Malware or jailbroken/rooted devices allow attackers to intercept or read messages, including OTPs. Cybercriminals have already exploited such vulnerabilities, as detailed in reports from Bitdefender and F-Secure. A compromised device means an attacker could access authentication messages without the user’s knowledge.
4. WhatsApp Account Takeovers
Account hijacking is a major concern. Attackers use phishing techniques to take over WhatsApp accounts, often locking the real user out. If authentication depends on WhatsApp, this means attackers could gain access to a person’s financial accounts as well. The Hacker News has documented large-scale campaigns where cybercriminals use malware to hijack WhatsApp accounts, posing a real risk to businesses relying on it for authentication.
How Unibeam is a Safer Alternative
Unibeam provides authentication that is:
- Device-bound and secure – Authentication remains tied to the user’s mobile network and device, eliminating the risk of multi-device exposure.
- Not app-dependent – Unlike WhatsApp, Unibeam does not rely on third-party messaging apps vulnerable to account takeovers and malware attacks.
- Protected from social engineering – No risk of phishing-based WhatsApp takeovers compromising authentication.
- Compliant with local regulations – Ensuring data sovereignty and security compliance for financial institutions.
Final Thought
While WhatsApp is a convenient messaging app, it is not designed for secure authentication. Financial institutions, especially those in regulated environments, need a solution that prioritizes security, compliance, and user safety. Unibeam delivers exactly that.
