WhatsApp has begun adopting passkeys, or passcodes, a device that gives users more security for their personal accounts.
While they won’t immediately replace passwords, these passwords are already available in the Android version of the app. They can be used, if you’d like, to be activated easily on our phones.
This is the way they work on WhatsApp
Passkeys are designed to increase security through the use of biometrics for identification of users, like facial recognition, fingerprinting, or a PIN.
When it comes to WhatsApp, the first time you use it occurs at the time of restarting the app.
When you downloaded WhatsApp and wanted to sign in, the app requested your phone number in order to deliver you a verification message. The process is not perfect and has gaps that could be exploited by fraudsters, who may use methods such as SIM swapping to gain access codes to gain access to your account.
With access keys, you’ll no longer have to follow this method; however, you’ll be required to place your face or finger in front of them to let them know that it’s you. This leaves no space for hackers.
Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys 🔑 only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account pic.twitter.com/In3OaWKqhy
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) October 16, 2023
How can I set it up?
To enable the passkeys on WhatsApp, go to the Settings section within the app and then search through the Access Keys menu.
You can now create your passcode. It will be connected directly to the account you have created with Google. Your keys are stored between two organizations.
WhatsApp isn’t the only company to promote this type of security feature. PayPal introduced passwordless login on Android in March. TikTok added technological support for its users in the month of July. In the past, 1Password implemented access keys for all users on desktops as well as iOS computers following a trial of the login service for three months.
