WhatsApp continues its search for greater security for its users by introduce passkeys in the Android versionMeta’s new strategy to strengthen its instant messaging application.
Passkeys are a modern, secure form of authentication that replaces traditional passwords with a combination of biometric factors and a PIN, according to the report. Computer Today.
This new functionality will allow Android users to use facial recognition, fingerprint, PIN or pattern to access their accounts, thus eliminating the need to receive SMS codes for activation. With this update, WhatsApp joins leading companies such as Google, Microsoft and Apple that have already adopted this technology.
Main advantage
The main advantage of passkeys is their ability to offer faster and more secure login. They also reduce the risk of password exposure due to security breaches or phishing attacks, which will be welcomed by WhatsApp’s more than 2 billion users.
For its part, the FIDO (Fast Identity Online) alliance supports passkeys as a more secure, convenient and easy-to-use method compared to traditional passwords. They have the potential to completely replace other login methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA) or verification via SMS with a local PIN.
It is important to highlight that WhatsApp will not completely eliminate traditional passwords. Users will have the option to choose between both forms of authentication, allowing them to gradually transition to the use of passkeys.
Although the feature is not yet available to all Android users, it is expected to appear in the account settings within user profiles. Users will be able to activate a passkey from that section. On the other hand, no information has been provided on when this feature will be available for iOS iPhone users.