WhatsApp is taking steps to enhance security with phishing-proof passkey authentication. Gone are the days when a strong password could guarantee online account safety. The rise of phishing attacks and increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals has called for more robust measures. While two-factor authentication has helped, even it is not foolproof. Fortunately, the availability of on-device biometric authentication has paved the way for cryptographic passkeys, a more advanced form of protection. And now, WhatsApp is reportedly integrating this feature with the help of Google Password Manager.
“Passkeys operate using cryptographic keys split into two parts: one resides on the platform you’re logging into, while the other can be verified using your device’s biometric capabilities, such as fingerprint or face unlock.” This method offers quicker and more reliable authentication, and importantly, it’s highly resistant to phishing attacks, as you don’t need to remember the cryptographic key.
WhatsApp’s recent beta version 2.23.17.5 on the Google Play Store has hinted at upcoming passkey support. A screen discovered by WABetaInfo highlights passkeys as a user-friendly way to secure sign-ins.
According to the feature description, your WhatsApp passkey will be stored in Google Password Manager. To utilize this feature, you may need to use your fingerprint or facial recognition, or simply your device’s screen lock method.
While many users don’t frequently sign in to their WhatsApp accounts, passkey authentication could be particularly useful for those who switch devices often or manage multiple accounts on a single device. Google supports the concept of passkeys, and numerous popular password managers already offer them. It’s encouraging to see WhatsApp reinforcing its privacy tools with passkey support. However, it’s important to note that the feature is still in development and may undergo changes before its official launch date, which remains uncertain.
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