WhatsApp said to be working on passkey support for more secure sign-in

WhatsApp is working to enhance the account security of users.

WABetaInfo discovered a hidden passkey setup menu in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android where a message prompt states that fingerprint, face or screen lock can be used for authentication purposes with a passkey.

Passkeys are an industry standard backed by other tech companies such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. These tech companies are also part of the Fast ID Online (FIDO) Alliance.

Passkeys are also said to be the future of passwords because they are easier to use and safer than traditional passwords and 2FA authentication methods.

That's because you log in using a pre-authenticated device and by using methods that you are highly familiar with like biometrics or a passcode. Crucially, this means login data only exists on device, which means that there's no password that can be stolen in a traditional phishing or hacking attack.

Apple introduced the passkey system in iOS 16 for the iPhone while Google added passkey support to Android and Chrome in October 2022. Some apps such as TikTok and 1Password recently rolled out passkey support for their users.

Source: WABetaInfo