WhatsApp, the popular messaging app with over two billion active users worldwide, has rolled out a new password-less Passkey feature for Android users. The new feature, which is currently in beta testing for iOS users, allows users to log in to their WhatsApp accounts using their device’s biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint scan or face unlock, instead of a password.
This is a significant security improvement for WhatsApp users, as passwords are a common target for hackers. In fact, a recent study by NordPass found that over 70% of all passwords used online are weak and easily guessed. Passkeys, on the other hand, are much more secure, as they are generated using cryptography and cannot be reused on other websites or apps.
To use the Passkey feature, WhatsApp users on Android will need to enable it in the app’s settings. Once enabled, users will be able to log in to their WhatsApp accounts using their device’s biometric authentication whenever they open the app. If a user’s device does not have biometric authentication, they will still be able to log in using a password, but WhatsApp recommends using Passkeys instead.
Benefits of using Passkeys with WhatsApp:
- Increased security:Passkeys are much more secure than passwords, as they are generated using cryptography and cannot be reused on other websites or apps. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your WhatsApp account.
- Convenience:Passkeys are also more convenient to use than passwords, as you don’t have to remember them or type them in every time you want to log in to WhatsApp. Simply use your device’s biometric authentication to log in quickly and securely.
- Reduced risk of fraud:Passkeys can help to reduce the risk of fraud, such as phishing attacks and account takeovers. In a phishing attack, scammers try to trick you into revealing your password or other personal information. With Passkeys, you don’t have to enter any passwords, so there is no risk of falling victim to a phishing attack.
Overall, the new Passkey feature is a welcome addition to WhatsApp, and it is highly recommended that all Android users enable it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to enable Passkeys on WhatsApp for Android:
- Open WhatsApp and tap the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
- TapSettings>Account>Security.
- Scroll down and tapEnable Passkey.
- Confirm your identity by entering your PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock.
- WhatsApp will generate a Passkey for you.
- TapDoneto save your changes.
Once you have enabled Passkeys, you can log in to WhatsApp using your device’s biometric authentication whenever you open the app. If you need to log in to WhatsApp on a new device, you will need to enter your Passkey.
How Passkeys work
Passkeys are a new type of authentication credential that is designed to be more secure and convenient than passwords. Passkeys are generated using cryptography and are stored on your device. When you want to log in to a website or app that supports Passkeys, your device will generate a unique cryptographic key pair. The public key is sent to the website or app, and the private key is kept on your device.
The website or app will use the public key to verify your identity. If the verification is successful, the website or app will send a challenge to your device. Your device will then use the private key to generate a response to the challenge. The response is sent back to the website or app, which verifies it and grants you access.
Passkeys are a significant improvement over passwords in a number of ways. First, Passkeys are much more secure. Passkeys are generated using cryptography and are stored on your device. This makes it very difficult for hackers to steal or guess your Passkeys. Second, Passkeys are more convenient to use. You don’t have to remember or type in your Passkeys every time you want to log in to a website or app. Simply use your device’s biometric authentication to log in quickly and securely.
Conclusion
The new Passkey feature is a welcome addition to WhatsApp, and it is highly recommended that all Android users enable it. Passkeys are a more secure and convenient way to log in to WhatsApp, and they can help to reduce the risk of fraud.
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