WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is set to bring passkey support to its iOS platform, allowing users to log in with their biometrics. This passwordless authentication technology, previously added to WhatsApp for Android, aims to enhance security and convenience for iOS users. With passkeys, users can quickly and securely access their WhatsApp accounts without the need for traditional passwords.
Passkeys are a hardware-backed authentication mechanism developed by the FIDO Alliance in collaboration with major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. By leveraging cryptography on the user’s device, passkeys enable passwordless sign-ins authenticated through biometric features such as Touch ID or Face ID. This authentication method significantly reduces the risks of phishing attacks and enhances the overall security of the user’s WhatsApp account.
The latest version of WhatsApp beta for iOS, 2.24.2.73, showcases a passkey-related menu, indicating that the feature will soon be made available to iOS users. However, the passkey creation functionality is currently inaccessible in this version. WhatsApp is expected to use Apple’s Keychain system to securely store passkeys on iOS, similar to how Google’s password manager is utilized on Android devices.
WhatsApp plans to first release the passkey feature to users on the beta testing channel through TestFlight. This phased approach allows for necessary testing and refinement before the feature becomes available to all users on the stable version of the app. However, it’s important to note that passkeys will not be accessible to all iOS users. Only iPhone models running on iOS 17 or newer will support third-party access to passkeys. This means that users with an iPhone XR or a newer model, updated to iOS 17, will be able to leverage the convenience and security of passkeys for their WhatsApp account authentication.
The introduction of passkeys for WhatsApp iOS brings several benefits. Firstly, it eliminates the need for users to remember complex passwords, making account access more convenient. Secondly, passkeys lower the risk of password-related security breaches, as they are not vulnerable to phishing attacks that commonly target passwords. Thirdly, the integration of passkeys aligns with the industry’s ongoing efforts to enhance user security and privacy by moving away from traditional passwords.
WhatsApp’s decision to introduce passkeys for iOS users demonstrates its commitment to improving security and user experience. Through the integration of hardware-backed authentication and biometric features, users can enjoy a more convenient and secure login process. As the rollout progresses from the beta testing phase to the stable version, eligible iOS users will have the opportunity to leverage the benefits of passkeys, providing a passwordless and resilient authentication solution for WhatsApp.
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