Thankfully, even on the best low-cost Android phones, biometric authentication is becoming mainstream and easily accessible. This has led to the adoption of passkeys for user authentication by a number of well-known social networking platforms and password manager apps. WhatsApp is the newest application to offer passkey support for all of its users after a month of beta testing.
Passkeys replace conventional passwords with a unique cryptographic key pair, such that only the users can log in. Only after a successful biometric authentication, the key is made accessible to the respective users, negating the requirement for two-factor authentication techniques like OTP distribution through SMS and email. Passkeys shield users from the risks associated with password reuse and phishing attacks. Google disclosed the new technology supports more rapid user authentication after revealing support for passkey storage in its password manager.
WhatsApp’s effort in adopting passkey technology came to light in early August. Also, beta testing on the same commenced in late September.
Now, around a month later, WhatsApp announced support for passkeys was coming in the stable channel on X (formerly Twitter). The feature makes the login process significantly more secure by taking the place of the one-time password (OTP) sent via SMS. The app enables users to authenticate themselves using screen lock options, including their on-device fingerprint, face unlock, PIN, or swipe pattern. In the meantime, Google Password Manager automatically stores the cryptographic key.
The login system, with no password requirement, turns out to be quite time-efficient for users when they are setting up WhatsApp on a new phone. Commendable enough, WhatsApp is also explaining to online users how passkeys work, in order to secure their accounts.
Moreover, it is important for users to see the difference between passkeys for logging into WhatsApp and in-app features like WhatsApp chat lock, which still requires biometric authentication. Importantly, passkeys and passwords for traditional user authentication will both be available on WhatsApp.
However, WhatsApp has not yet clarified whether the feature will be made immediately accessible everywhere. Nonetheless, Passkey support, like every other major WhatsApp feature, is anticipated to be implemented gradually in the stable channel. But it is still great to see WhatsApp reiterate its dedication to user security and privacy with features like this.
