UNITED STATES: WhatsApp has officially unveiled its Passkeys feature, heralding a more robust and user-friendly approach to account protection. After undergoing testing in beta for several months, WhatsApp is now rolling out Passkeys to all users across the globe, with Android users being the first to benefit from this innovative security enhancement. However, it’s important to note that there is currently no specific information on when Passkeys will be made available to iOS users.
The evolution of WhatsApp security
The introduction of Passkeys marks a milestone in WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to provide a more secure and user-friendly platform. In response to the ever-growing need for enhanced digital security, the Meta-owned messaging giant has chosen to implement Passkeys as a means to eliminate the reliance on traditional SMS-based two-factor authentication.
What are WhatsApp Passkeys?
Passkeys represent a pioneering, passwordless approach to safeguarding WhatsApp accounts. This novel security feature enables users to log in using alternative methods such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or a personal identification number (PIN). Passkeys have been designed with the vision of providing a more secure and user-centric authentication process.
It is essential to emphasize that the implementation of Passkeys does not overlap with existing features such as Chat Lock or users’ preferred screen lock methods, which could include on-device fingerprint recognition, facial unlock, PIN codes, or swipe patterns.
Passkeys introduce a unique cryptographic key that is automatically stored in the Google Password Manager, thus eliminating the need for users to remember these keys and further simplifying the login process.
How to set up Passkeys on WhatsApp
To make the most of the enhanced security offered by Passkeys on WhatsApp, here are the steps users can follow once the feature becomes available for their accounts:
1. Download and Update WhatsApp: Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp installed on your Android device.
2. Install Google Password Manager: Download and set up the Google Password Manager app from the Google Play Store to facilitate automatic key storage.
3. Access WhatsApp Settings: Open WhatsApp and navigate to the Settings section.
4. Locate Passkeys: Within the Settings menu, find the Passkeys option and tap on it.
5. Create a Passkey: Select the “Create a Passkey” option to initiate the setup process.
6. Popup Confirmation: A popup window will appear, providing essential information about Passkeys. Click on the “Continue” button to proceed.
7. Generate Passkey: In the subsequent window titled “Create Passkey for WhatsApp,” tap the “Continue” button.
After these straightforward steps, your Passkey will be active and ready to add an extra layer of security to your WhatsApp account, without the inconvenience of remembering complex passwords.
It is worth noting that the rollout of Passkeys is a significant leap forward for WhatsApp in its ongoing commitment to user security. As this feature continues to evolve, it is expected that iOS users will soon gain access to the same heightened level of account protection.
Also Read: WhatsApp to Stop Working on Older Android Devices, Prompting Users to Upgrade
