Passkeys are today’s dominant authentication method, even surpassing Two-Factor Authentication. They have replaced the need for users to enter a password to access their respective applications. We have seen this change in Facebook, which is now available on WhatsApp (currently in beta for Android version 2.23.21.12). This new feature allows users to experience a more secure and convenient login process.
In other words, WhatsApp users who have enabled Passkeys (a 6-digit code) on their account need to enter their previously set Passkeys to log in to their WhatsApp account. The main goal of developers introducing WhatsApp Passkeys is to protect users from phishing attacks, human errors, data breaches, and other security threats. However, some users may need to learn how to start with this feature. So, let us take a look at how to do it.
Unlocking Security: A Guide to WhatsApp Passkeys
Before understanding WhatsApp Passkeys, let us first understand the concept of Passkeys. They are a new authentication credential that allows users to log in to websites and applications without entering a password. Passkeys are based on Public Key Cryptography, which has already proven to be a more secure form of encryption. These Passkeys are stored on the user’s device for a specific website or application, such as WhatsApp.
Android users can easily and securely log back in with passkeys 🔑 only your face, finger print, or pin unlocks your WhatsApp account pic.twitter.com/In3OaWKqhy
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) October 16, 2023
We have already informed you that Passkeys enhance security compared to the traditional login process. The significant improvement is the decrease in the percentage of phishing attacks. Not only that, Passkeys are more convenient secure, and reduce the risk of human error compared to the traditional login process. By this point, you have understood what passkeyPasskey is, how it works, and how it improves the overall authentication experience. Let us move on to the steps below to use WhatsApp Passkeys.
Setting up WhatsApp Passkeys
Note: Passkeys can be created in WhatsApp using either your phone’s PIN/Password or Facial/Biometric Authentication. The steps below are for the PIN/Password method. If you prefer another option, during the 3rd step, you will be prompted to use Facial/Biometric Authentication. Follow that method, and the rest of the steps will be the same.
- Open WhatsApp and go to Settings >> Account >> Passkeys.
- Tap “Create a passkey.”
- Enter a six-digit passkey and tap “Confirm.”
- Afterward, enter your device’s passcode or PIN to confirm.
- That is it! Your WhatsApp Passkey has been successfully created.
Recovery options for WhatsApp Passkeys
As a Passkey-based authentication, you may lose the passkeyPasskey that you previously confirmed. Do not worry, and you have two options to recover lost Passkeys. You can save it to your preferred password manager or export your WhatsApp Passkey as a text file to store it permanently. If you do not know how to export, follow these steps: Open WhatsApp Settings >> Account >> Passkeys >> Export Passkey >> Enter your phone password >> Save the Passkey text file to your device.
How WhatsApp Passkeys Secure Your Calls and Chats
If you have enabled WhatsApp Passkeys and created one, then you have a more advanced option: to protect specific chats and calls or all chats. In this case, you need to create a Passkey for such calls or chats, which would only be accessible by you or the person you are communicating with. When you encrypt calls or chats with a Passkey, the system generates a temporary, ephemeral public key that results in a shared secret key, which is exchanged with your recipient’s device. This provides more security to the users. To enable this feature, follow the steps below.
Note: If you want to enable this feature for specific contacts, during steps 3 and 4, you will be prompted to select all contacts or manually choose specific contacts for this protection.
- Launch the WhatsApp App.
- Go to Settings.
- Under Settings, tap on Account, then Passkeys, and toggle on Enable Passkeys for Chats.
- Similarly, enable the toggle for Enable Passkeys for Calls.
- That is all! Your calls and chats are now protected with Passkeys.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Passkey Usage
Even though the Passkey feature is advanced and provides security, there are some practices you should follow to make it more personalized and convenient. These practices will enhance your Passkey usage experience. Here are some recommendations:
- Use strong Passkeys.
- Keep your passkeyPasskey private from others.
- Always back up your Passkeys.
- Consider using a password manager to store your Passkeys.
- Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts.
To sum up, WhatsApp Passkeys provide an invaluable layer of security for your chats and calls. By implementing Passkeys, you can ensure your private conversations remain genuinely private. The benefits of Passkeys include enhanced protection against unauthorized access and peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world. Do not wait – take the proactive step to safeguard your digital communications. Enable WhatsApp Passkeys today to fortify your security and maintain the confidentiality of your conversations. Your privacy is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why does WhatsApp keep asking for my password?
Ans. You might have enabled two-factor authentication, so WhatsApp asks for your password.
Q2. Who uses passkeyPasskey?
Ans. Many companies like PayPal, eBay, and Cloudflare use passkey support. Now, passkeys are also publicly available in WhatsApp.
Q3. Can passkey be hacked?
Ans. The main advantage of using passkeyPasskey is protection against phishing attacks.
Q4. What are the different types of passkeys?
Ans. There are numerous types of passkeys, such as facial recognition, PIN, password, biometric authentication, iris recognition, etc.
