WhatsApp now has passkey support live on the beta channel.
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Summary
Passkeys are being used by Google, Apple, and others to improve online security and replace passwords, and WhatsApp is now introducing passkey support for some beta testers.
When switching between devices or setting up a new phone, users can sign in to WhatsApp with their fingerprint, face recognition, or screen lock PIN/pattern using passkeys.
Passkeys are more secure than passwords and immune to phishing and hacking attempts because they are kept in a password manager. In the coming weeks, more users will be able to use Passkey.
Due to the increase in phishing and Passwords alone are no longer sufficient to protect us from online scams and other threats. Because of this, companies like Google, Apple, and others are implementing passkeys to replace passwords and increase the security of your online accounts. The top password managers have already included passkey support. Your favorite app and service must also adopt the password replacement, so that is not sufficient on its own. Early in August, it was discovered that WhatsApp, one of the most well-known messaging platforms worldwide, was developing passkey authentication. The company is distributing passkeys support to some beta testers more than a month later.
You can access your account using your fingerprint, face, or a screen lock PIN/pattern if WhatsApp has passkey support. Admittedly, this only comes in handy when setting up and switching devices a new phone with WhatsApp.If the feature is available for your account, WABetaInfo claims you should see the passkeys option under WhatsApp Settings > Account. However, you must be using WhatsApp for Android beta 2.23.20.4.
They are mentioned as being saved in the Google Password Manager in WhatsApp's passkey description. However, if your preferred password manager allows for passwordless login, you can save your WhatsApp passkey there.
Due to the rise in scams and phishing attempts, WhatsApp has recently placed a strong emphasis on account security and chat privacy. Device Verification, Automatic Security Codes, and Account Protect were the three new security features for WhatsApp that Meta announced in April 2023. The following month, WhatsApp released Chat Lock to protect your conversations private conversations protected from prying eyes. While the feature is not yet available, the messaging platform is also working on hiding your IP address in calls.
Passkeys are a combination of numbers or characters that create a key pair using cryptographic keys. The first half of the key pair is kept in your password manager, and the second half is kept on the service provider's server. Your login information is only shared when the two keys agree.
You don't need to worry about remembering passkeys because they are stored in a password manager. Additionally, this increases their security and resistance to hacking and phishing attempts. Yes, it is even more secure than using multiple factors.
Check if you haven't already check out our tutorial on setting up passkeys and how they will eventually completely replace passwords. Make sure to set up Passkey for added security since it is already available for Google accounts.
In the upcoming weeks, WhatsApp beta channel passkey support ought to become available to more users. Consider turning on these WhatsApp privacy features in the interim to increase the security of your account.
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